Publix Commemorates National Seafood Month with Key Donation to Sustainable Fisheries Partnership
As Publix celebrates National Seafood Month this year, the company is also proud to highlight a significant milestone in its ongoing partnership with the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP). Entering its 15th year of collaboration, Publix’s commitment to environmental stewardship continues to make waves in the seafood industry.
“Publix is proud to support SFP to bring sustainable seafood options to our customers while protecting the ecosystem and supporting those who fish,” stated Publix’s Business Development Director of Seafood, Guy Pizzuti. “We look forward to our continued collaboration to make a difference in seafood sustainability.”
Since 2011, Publix has donated over $1 million to SFP, with its recent contributions totaling more than $350,000. These funds are allocated to initiatives aimed at reducing unintended catches of ocean wildlife within the seafood sourcing supply chain.
Understanding Bycatch and Its Impact
Bycatch, a term that refers to non-target species unintentionally caught during commercial fishing, poses a significant threat to various populations, including endangered and threatened species such as whales, sharks, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds.
Through its financial support, Publix is actively helping commercial seafood suppliers adopt high-tech solutions and training to minimize their impact on ocean ecosystems.
Projects Funded by Publix
1. Electronic Monitoring in the Florida Pink Shrimp Fishery
One of the key projects funded by Publix involves studying interactions with the endangered smalltooth sawfish within the Florida pink shrimp fishery. This initiative includes equipping eight vessels with cameras and other monitoring devices to track any potential interactions with this vulnerable species.
2. Smart Buoys in Maine Lobster and Canadian Snow Crab Fisheries
Publix’s contributions also back projects aimed at combating ghost gear—abandoned or lost fishing equipment that can endanger marine life, particularly the North Atlantic right whale. Smart buoys, equipped with GPS tracking, are utilized to monitor the location and movement of fishing gear, ensuring it can be retrieved to minimize its impact on marine habitats.
3. Addressing Bycatch in the Eastern Pacific Ocean Mahi-Mahi Fishery
Recent donations from Publix, made in collaboration with the Global Mahi Supply Chain Roundtable, focus on enhancing sustainable fishing practices and reducing bycatch in the Eastern Pacific Ocean mahi-mahi fishery. This initiative empowers fishers with vital training and tools, promoting long-term sustainability and reducing the risk to endangered species.
[RELATED: Publix Promotes Commitment to Sustainability]
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