NFI Issues Statement On Presidential Task Force Targeting Illegal Fishing & Seafood Fraud
June 17, 2014 | 2 min to read
WASHINGTON, DC — Members of the National Fisheries Institute have zero tolerance for illegal fishing, as well as commercial seafood fraud. As a group NFI members have lead the global industry initiative tackling this challenge, by creating the Better Seafood Board (BSB) in 2007.
NFI supports the recently ratified Port State Measures which will help ensure illegally harvested wild-caught seafood does not enter international trade. We also support the International Fisheries Stewardship and Enforcement Act. Likewise, we recognize our ability and the government’s ability to trace seafood has been strengthened as part of recent food safety legislation.
Today’s memorandum from the President directs departments and agencies to, “implement and enforce relevant policies, regulations, and laws to ensure that seafood sold in the United States is legally caught and accurately labeled.”
Our members are pleased to see the administration focus on an issue we’ve championed for so long. As industry leaders in this area we maintain that a focus on enforcement of existing laws and regulations is the key to success. Early recognition by the Task Force that a focus on using existing regulatory and legal leverage will ensure best use of government and industry resources.
In talking about the future of the oceans, today, Secretary of State Kerry noted, “…public-private partnerships are going to be absolutely critical to supporting a healthy ocean.” The Task Force is comprised of thirteen federal agencies directed to consult with the private sector as “applicable.” We look forward to highlighting the essential roll the seafood community plays in providing healthy, sustainable and traceable seafood for the American public.
A Task Force that insists on enforcement of existing regulations, relies on science and creates an open, inclusive process is one welcomed by the seafood community.
John Connelly
President, National Fisheries Institute
Source: National Fisheries Institute