Renowned Chef, Barton Seaver, kicked off the MONF3 conference by stating, “Protecting our fisheries is really about protecting our dinner and that fishermen are the most charismatic species on the red list.” He went on to profoundly thank the commercial fishermen for sustaining the American seafood consumer and insisting that we should, “Make seafood itself the mechanism for change.” Thank you Chef, and well said!

The main message of the MONF3 conference was that the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) is working, and working well. Yet, the MSA is proposed to be reauthorized, provoking controversy throughout the fishing industry. The opposition results from scientific data that was presented at the conference:

• 90% of documented fish stocks are not considered overfished.
• 58% of US domestic stocks determined as overfished have been restored thanks to the  MSA.

Many conference participants agreed that well-designed catch share systems are working for fishermen and economies. Simply put, these catch share systems determine how much fish, such as red snapper, can be sustainably caught between the commercial and recreation sector.

This graph is provided by The Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders Alliance (SA), a non-profit commercial fishing organization that believes fishery management decisions should ensure the health and continued productivity of the resource. Management decisions should be based on adequate scientific data through a cooperative approach between commercial fishermen, organizations, and government entities.

The MSA mandates the eight regional councils who, in turn, determines the fishery’s catch allocation, red snapper for example, and divides the resource between the two sectors. The resource is thought of as a pie where each side is allowed a portion.

The red snapper Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ), developed in 2007, was implemented to limit the amount of red snapper caught and reduce by-catch and discard mortality. The purpose of the IFQ program is “to reduce overcapacity in the commercial fishery and to eliminate, to the extent possible, the problems associated with derby fishing, in order to assist the (Gulf) Council in achieving [optimum yield].” (GMFMC 2006). Derby fishing occurs when a shortened season, much like the Gulf red snapper recreational season, forces anglers to fish in any sea conditions and during a prescribed fishing window. The commercial IFQ allows commercial fishermen to fish when it is convenient for them, when the market prices are at a premium, and when fishing conditions are safest and at their best. The added incentive is the commercial sector, for the past six years, has not once exceeded their fleets‘ Annual Catch Limit.

Biologically, by reducing incidental catch of non-target species (by-catch) and reducing mortality of discarded fish, other marine community resources benefit through a balanced ecosystem. Economically, this program provides a stable market by keeping fishing seasons open to commercial fishermen and allows flexibility in fishing operations. IFQ´s are a cost-effective management tool and enforceable in the commercial sector. These cumulative benefits assist the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Gulf Council in preventing overfishing and aid them in rebuilding the red snapper resource.

Other monitoring methods include third-party observers placed on commercial vessels to monitor fishing activity. Some members of the SA, comprised of commercial fishermen, agreed to take part in a pilot program that combines two fisheries monitoring methodologies—fisheries independent and fisheries dependent monitoring.

Fisheries independent and fisheries dependent monitoring utilized in the commercial fisheries sector promotes scientific analysis of abundance, age structure, size, and reproduction status of reef fishes important to both commercial and recreational fishing sectors. This hybrid approach to monitoring is coordinated by fisheries researchers from the University of South Florida, Florida Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), the NMFS, Miami Laboratory, Panama City Laboratory, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Alliance.

In this pilot program, through coordination between Mote Marine Laboratory and the Ocean Conservancy, video cameras are working in tandem with human observers on a several commercialGulf Wild® vessels. The Gulf Wild® program provides a public method for tracking fish commercially caught in federal and state waters. Individually numbered tags can be entered into the Gulf Wild®website to acquire the catch date, the commercial fleet, and the method used. As more consumers are educated on overfishing and sustainability challenges, demand for management increases. We are circumventing the nationwide issues of fraud by providing seafood with certainty in very uncertain times.

As more Americans fight for domestic jobs and sustainable use of our Nation’s natural resources, these conservation tools are vital. While the recreational sector is a large economic engine, 97% of Americas do not regularly catch their fish dinner and thus rely on the commercial sector. The regulatory government agencies rely on the science from commercial fishermen through cooperative study programs to base their management and regulations decisions upon. Gulf fisheries benefit from revised management objectives by providing clarity on the significance of socio-economic advantages.

Science and management processes should be more inclusive of fishing communities and consider stability as a core objective. Improvements in data collection and monitoring reduce the need for precautionary buffers while continuing to protect our fishery resources. The SA realizes commercial fishermen understand to have a larger allocation, the resource needs to grow.  In order to increase the resource, they also understand that accurate scientific-based monitoring and collaborative management efforts are key. Afterall, we are all fishing from the same “pie.”

Houston restaurants have partnered with Galveston-based Katie’s Seafood Market and Houston-headquartered Louisiana Foods Global Seafood Source to distribute a brand of trackable fish that allows confirmation of where, how and by whom the product was caught.

 QUOTE: “In an age where seafood fraud is on the rise, the Gulf Wild® trackable product totally assures us of getting what we ordered,” said Jim Gossen, Chairman of Louisiana Foods Global Seafood Source (LAF). “There is simply no better system to stamp out fraud than a trackable tag on every fish.”

LAF has committed to the Gulf Wild commitment that states, ” We promise that all fish with the Gulf Wild label is, in fact, wild caught, not farmed, and guaranteed from the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. We commit to transparent, 24-hour access to the specific credentials of your Gulf Wild fish, including the species, the captain and vessel that caught it, the 10mi2 grid from where it came, and at what specific port it landed. Most importantly, we pledge to provide responsibly- caught fish supported voluntary conservation measures that will protect the health of seafood lovers and the Gulf ecosystem for years to come.”

The non-profit group Oceana recently found 33 percent of the fish samples it analyzed from across the United States were mislabeled. Its two-year study of 1,215 seafood samples from 674 retail outlets in 21 states found Texas was one of the worst offenders. According to Oceana’s data, nearly half the fish sold in retail outlets and restaurants in Texas is mislabeled. Nationally, the most frequently swapped-out fish was tuna (59%) and the Texas prized catch Red Snapper, which is mis-marked 87 percent of the time.

However, LAF has partnered with Katie’s Seafood in Galveston, TX, the fish house that works with 25 Texas fishermen, to ensure conservation based, trackable Red Snapper, grouper is sold at retailers and restaurants throughout the Houston area that focus on sustainability and traceability to ensure customers get what they order.   Seafood loving consumers can be assured that they are eating real American Red Snapper and red grouper by dining at some well-known eateries such as: Jonathan’s Rub, Sambuca, Cullen’s and Bayou Club.

Created with the long-term sustainability of fish and fishermen in mind, the Gulf Wild brand affixes uniquely numbered identification tags to the gill plate of every American Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) and Gulf-caught grouper.   Those tags are the key to allowing chefs, retailers and end-consumers to immediately view the unique credentials of their specific fish – including where it was caught and by whom – at the smart phone friendly MyGulfWild.com.

Moments after bringing their wild-caught seafood onboard, Gulf Wild fishermen tag each Gulf Wild™ fish with a sequentially numbered tag. When the catch reaches shore, the unique number is electronically recorded and the respective credentials of each fish are made public. Simply enter the tag number at myGulfWild.com, and consumers see all – actual species, harvesting vessel and captain, even its pinpoint harvested location down to a 10 x10 square mile area in the Gulf.  Enter the wrong number, and the system alerts of a potentially fraudulent fish.

 “It’s time consumers know exactly what seafood they are eating, who is catching it and from where,” said Jason Delacruz, one of the pioneers of the Gulf Wild™ trackable seafood brand, and a fisherman from Largo, FL. “We’re actually putting the credentials of every one of our fish online for the world to see.”

 Gulf Wild seafood emerges as a silver lining after 2010’s Deepwater Horizon catastrophe. Forced into expedited development by consumer uncertainty in Gulf seafood, Gulf Wild is now the only brand serving up conservation with a side of seafood certainty.

]]> http://mygulfwild.com/2013/05/protecting-consumers-from-fish-fraud/feed/ 0 http://mygulfwild.com/2013/05/safe-seafood/ http://mygulfwild.com/2013/05/safe-seafood/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 19:44:03 +0000 SRousso http://mygulfwild.com/?p=467 Read More >>]]> Safe Seafood

The Rocky Mountain Food Safety Conference is gearing up for yet another year of important presentations about current programs of food safety.  The 2013 Rocky Mountain Food Safety Conference will be held at the Johnson and Wales University Academic Center in Denver Colorado.  Established in 1972, the conference is the premier food safety conference of the Rocky Mountain region.  This year, the conference will also have importance for the fishing industry throughout the Gulf Region.

Captain Buddy Guindon, a commercial fisherman and founding member of the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders Alliance will be discussing the recovery of the fishing industry from the Gulf oil spill.  Captain Buddy will be speaking as an ambassador of Gulf Wild® a pivotal program implemented for consumers and wholesalers to track the origin and sustainability of certain commercial fish species, such as red snapper and red grouper.  “I am honored to be a part of this important conference, said Guindon.  It is important that the American public, Chefs and our partners continue to tell the story that Gulf seafood is safe to eat and Gulf Wild brings that assurance.”

The conference provides professionals with a unique opportunity to share updates and new ideas and network.  National and local representatives present information and perspectives on current issues, problems and new programs in the food industry, such as Gulf Wild®. Participants will gain useful “take home messages” about their role and responsibility in assuring food safety for everyone.

Ken Boyer, food safety and QA| manager for Seattle Fish Company knows the importance of the voice of fishermen for this conference.  Ken identifies with the vital link between the fisherman and the food safety regulators to ensure there is a true partnership that benefits everyone.  A sponsor of the conference and partner of Gulf Wild®, Ken says,  “Seattle Fish Company seeks outs innovative programs to provide quality seafood to our demanding customers.  The Gulf Wild® program, which includes both the unique traceability component and fishery improvement initiatives, offers a compelling choice. The traceability of the Gulf Wild program provides assurances of the source of our seafood, reassuring consumers that they are making responsible choices.”  Seattle Fish is launching an innovative, sustainable seafood calculator, which aligns well with the mission of Gulf Wild®.

 The pre-conference will be held today, May 20, followed by the 2-day conference on May 22 and May 23.  Presentations this year focus on aquaponics, various pathogens, nutrition and the role of consumers in food safety among others.   Captain Buddy will have the spotlight at 10am on May 22 and your attendance and/or support of Gulf Wild for this event is greatly appreciated.

Data provided by FI surveys are especially valuable because they generally 1) are based on a statistically-valid sampling design, 2) incorporate standardized sampling methodologies, and 3) characterize the entire population, not just the portion of the population targeted by the fishery. Yet, differences in abundance trends between FD and FI data are often difficult to reconcile.

Thanks to a generous NOAA grant, this pilot program will incorporate a hybrid approach of both FI and FD monitoring methodology to better assess commercially important reef fish populations. The team comprises of research experts from University of South Florida, Florida Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Miami Laboratory, Panama City Laboratory, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders Alliance.

The pilot study addresses certain priorities identified by the NMFS Cooperative Research Program which was implemented in 2008. The hybrid methodology will engage commercial fishermen and increase stakeholder buy-in through the scientific study. The pilot program will evaluate five different reef fish species: Red Snapper (Lutjanus campecganus) Vermillion snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens) Red Grouper (Epinephelus morio) Gag Grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis) Scamp Grouper (Mycteroperca phenax).

Grouper and snapper are among the most highly lucrative species in the commercial fisheries industry and thus are considered to be fully- or over-exploited according to NMFS. For example, red snapper and gag have suffered drastic reductions in the sizes of their populations and are being overfished in the Gulf of Mexico. The target species for the pilot study are identified by the South East Data Assessment Review (SEDAR) Steering Committee as priority species that will undergo stock assessment in the next few years.

To better evaluate the populations and the food web structure on west Florida shelf reefs, the study incorporates vertical and short horizontal gear modifications that fishermen will employ during commercial fishing trips. Instead of random sampling, the study sites will be carefully selected based on statistically-valid criteria, which will provide researchers with a meaningful correlation between gear use and study site. Sampling will occur during the day from May and June and again from October through November which represent pre and post peak seasons of red snapper spawning.

A total of 16 trips (64 days) of sampling will occur in both shallow and deep strata, thus eliminating confounding effects of fishing vessel/crew from that of depth. Using GPS units, coordinates of the sampling sites will be digitally recorded and the composition of the sites will be recorded using a GoPro camera. Scientists will identify the fish species, record the length, sex, any anomalities, position of the hook, method of removal, and what tools are used, and collect tissues.

Based on the data collected, researchers will provide recommendations as to how this hybrid approach can improve ongoing reef fish surveys in a cost-effective manner. The valuable demographic data of reef fish populations will inform NMFS on age structure and reproductive status of priority species and investigate the structure of trophic webs on reefs of the west Florida shelf.

Furthermore, by incorporating fishermen’s knowledge into the data and assessment process (SEDAR goal), the work will both strengthen the overall quality of the data and will improve stakeholder agreement with the scientific process required to assess the status (and management decisions) on priority species.

The five objectives outlined in the grant will benefit consumers, fishermen, and marine fisheries conservation:

1. Improve management of food safety
2. Guarantee product authenticity
3. Enhance supply-side management
4. Ensure responsibly harvested seafood
5. Provide scientific data collection for fish stock assessments

Gulf Wild will establish a fisherman as the Executive Director who will serve as the formal ambassador for the brand.  Gulf Wild will also establish a Board of Directors and a Standards Review Committee.  The Conservation and Sustainability Director and a Development Director will be key staff in the organization as this grant will help the new team ensure program efficacy, coordinate more closely with the scientific community, and develop strict conservation guidelines.

Scientific data collection is a main objective of the program to improve fisheries stock assessments.  Given the ongoing controversy surrounding the Red Snapper recreational fishing quotas and season catch lengths between the state and federal authorities; this is vital for creation and maintenance of sustainable fisheries.   The current Gulf Wild model focuses solely on species within the catch share system.  Now, the program can expand the success to species of concern through a data collection system and full-scale traceability.

With the new 501c5 status, Gulf Wild will lease the trademark rights from the Gulf of México Shareholders Alliance.  This will allow Gulf Wild to focus on strengthening seafood sustainability relationships while the Shareholders Alliance will focus directly on fishery management issues.

Through Gulf Wild, consumers, seafood restaurants, and retailers are able to track their fish to make sure it is actually red snapper and not frozen tilapia, or worse an endangered species. Gulf Wild is a system designed by fishermen- for conservation and for the seafood consumer.  Say hello conservation and goodbye seafood fraud!

Mr. Robinson along with 41 other people submitted their comments on a proposed rule increasing the allowable catch of red snapper species in the Gulf of Mexico.   The rule “Framework Action to Amend the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico” was written to set the 2013 Red Snapper Commercial and Recreational Quotas and Modify the Recreational Bag Limit. The comment period was opened by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and officially closed at midnight April 19th, 2013.  A combination of interested persons in the recreational and commercial fisheries industries supplied comments.  Overall, the majority of comments stated the fishing seasons are too short and fishermen, recreational and commercial, want more fish.

If implemented, the rule will set the 2013 quotas for commercial and recreational red snapper harvest.  NMFS claims that the quotas can be increased due to results from recent population assessments.  These assessments indicate that the overfishing problem has been resolved.  Thus, the red snapper allowable catch would be increased from 8.080 million pounds whole weight in 2012 to 8.460 million pounds in 2013.  For commercial fisheries, the rule allows 51% of the quota be allocated to commercial fisheries (4.315 mil lbs) and the remaining 49% is allocated to recreational fisheries (4.145 mil lbs).   Season lengths are based on the quotas, average weight of fish landed, and estimated catch rates.

Comments on this proposed rule included expressed anger at the allowed season length, threats of lawsuits, approval of the rule, and suggestions of how to improve the rule.  The Ocean Conservancy comments that according to SEDAR 9, the red snapper is still being overfished and the rule should follow the 2032 Rebuilding Plan.  Other comments from non-profit organizations stated that the NMFS is operating outside their authority and are in violation of the Magnuson –Stevens Act.

Most comments from fishermen indicate that red snapper population is higher than they have seen in 15-30 years.  One fishermen comments that, “snapper, snapper, snapper is everywhere”.   One suggestion was that recreational and commercial fishing seasons be separated temporally.  Most of the comments came from recreational fishermen who complained that some states had longer seasons than others.  Another fishermen said, “NMFS should visit the fishermen and see for themselves the number of snapper in the water.”

So what is the answer, who is accountable, and who is right?  TJ Tate, Executive Director for the Reef Fish Shareholders Alliance, a non-profit cooperative for commercial fishermen, indicated that accountability and monitoring is lacking and should be improved in the recreational sector.  In a professional letter, her comments cited laws and rules NMFS should be referencing.  Accountability is more feasibly implemented in the commercial sector and has a proven track record of success.  However, changing and modifying quotas and seasons on an annual basis, does nothing more than fluctuate red snapper populations, which affects the intended management plans, and negatively affects natural ecosystem homeostasis (balance).  Lacking an adequate scientific analysis, it is difficult to determine the appropriate quotas for the benefit of both commercial and recreational fisheries.

After reviewing all comments, the NMFS will publish the results of the proposed rule in a fisheries bulletin in May.  Meanwhile, the red snapper will continue to be at the forefront of the media and controversy in the fisheries industry.  It’s unknown whose “2 cents” will be valued by the NMFS.

Shopping for seafood can be a dizzying experience as sustainability ratings change based on the location or manner in which a fish is caught. Keeping it all straight is difficult at best, but the outcome is critical.

“The United Nations reports that fifty-three percent of the world’s fisheries are fully exploited,” explains Carrie Brownstein, seafood quality standards coordinator for Whole Foods Market. “An additional thirty-two percent are overexploited, depleted or recovering from depletion.”

While those numbers seem dire, thanks to retailers like Whole Foods Market and awareness programs like Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, fisheries are implementing new techniques to reduce the impact on the health of fishing populations and the oceanic ecosystem.

Gulf Wild, a program that tags targeted species so that buyers can trace when, where and how they were caught, requires their fishermen to agree to strict conservation covenants.

“We have to have a quality product, and that starts with a quality fisherman,” says T.J. Tate, executive director of the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance, the founders of Gulf Wild.

Gulf Wild markets its catch through all of the Central Market locations, and 12 H-E-B locations. Participating stores display a Gulf Wild sign on the seafood case and shoppers can scan the bar codes to trace the origin of their fish. Gulf Wild is expanding their Texas program to restaurants later this year—training the servers and chefs on why serving Gulf Wild seafood makes a difference.

But despite the fact that these entities often work closely together and support one another, there can still be discrepancies between their grades. For example, Environmental Defense Fund lists red snapper as an Eco-Worst, but snapper caught under the Gulf Wild program is considered a good choice.

Several nonprofits certify or rate seafood based on its scarcity, the method by which it is caught and how harvesting it impacts ocean health. Consumers can do their part by choosing seafood that is certified, or highly ranked, by these groups.

If deciphering the various programs feels overwhelming, the experts recommend asking the fishmonger or server for help and voting for sustainable fish with your pocketbook.

You can learn more by reading the full version of this story here.

Track your fish dinner: MyFoxTAMPABAY.com

“You know, it is up to 600 sorts of fish and frozen items that we’ll carry at any one given time,” Derek Figueroa, chief operating officer for the Seattle Fish Company, said.

To assure that volume of fish is processed through the facility correctly, the company utilizes technology.

“Everything is code driven, so everything is labeled, everything from a whole fish to a loin, it gets a different code. We do extensive tracking,” Figueroa said.

Given the efforts taken by his company to monitor the product, he was surprised by a Consumer Reports investigation that found 22 percent of fish sold at restaurants and retail stores was mislabeled. Consumer Reports sent secret shoppers into restaurants and stores in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to purchase 190 samples of fresh and frozen fish. Fourteen different kinds of fish were purchases from more than 50 retail stores and restaurants.

Only four of the 14 different types of fish were always identified correctly. Ten orders of lemon sole were purchased and not one of them turned out to be lemon sole, but was identified as a more common and less expensive flounder. Of the 22 orders of red snapper, none were definitely identified as red snapper, although eight could not be ruled out.

Consumer Reports used DNA testing to identify the fish purchases.

“I was surprised by the scope and the number of instances that were found to be incorrect,” Figueroa said. “It seems to me there are two distinct situations going on. One is a fraudulent situation where somebody has either changed their menu or changed their item and not changed the menu or is substituting and in that case, these bad actors should be identified and should be drummed out of business and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. But the other side of the coin is really seems to be confusion about the market names of seafood and to that extent it seems where confusion exists in the market there is an opportunity for education and educate around those things.”

The seafood industry is increasingly looking at technological advancements to provide transparency to consumers. A new computer based program called, “Gulf Wild” seeks to give consumers a full history of the fish.

“Each fish, as it is pulled aboard the boat is given a unique tracking ID and that tracking ID is actually affixed to the fish so consumers anywhere down the line can enter that into a website and it pulls up a map of where that fish was caught from within a 10 square mile area, the boat that caught it and the name of the captain and a bio of the captain,” Figueroa said.

He says the seafood industry understands the consumers desire to know where their food is coming from.

“Seafood as an industry realizes that that is important, that we all suffer when there are bad actors that are not transparent, that are cheating the system. So technology is available, you can do it and I think the consumer wants full transparency,” Figueroa said.

His advice for consumers is simple: “Know your retailer. Know your food services and ask lots of questions.”

(KUSA-TV © 2011 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)