SEAFOOD 101
Welcome to Seafood 101:
Seafood and our Changing Ocean
Why is seafood important?
Responsibly-managed U.S. seafood is healthy for you, our environment
and our economy.
Seafood is healthy
Seafood is high in nutrients that are good for your heart and brain. The
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends eating at
least eight ounces (or two servings) of a variety of seafood a week. For
small children and pregnant women, the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) suggests eating eight to 12 ounces of a variety of seafood low in
mercury each week. All commercial fish except tilefish, shark, swordfish
and king mackerel are low in mercury. If you are a recreational fisher,
check for local pollution advisories. Learn more about healthy eating at
U.S. seafood is harvested with the environment in mind
Conserving our natural resources, whether on land or at sea, is something
that should concern all of us. For this reason, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act was created to govern U.S. marine
fisheries in federal waters from three to 200 miles off our country’s coasts.
Fishery scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) provide fishery managers with information to ensure responsibly-
harvested seafood through healthy fish populations and ecosystems.
Seafood is good for the economy
The Port of Seattle’s Fishermen’s Terminal is the homeport for the
North Pacific fishing fleet. Fishermen’s Terminal is home to about 400
boats and generates more than 3,400 jobs and $356 million in annual
payroll. Additionally, in the Pacific Northwest, shellfish farming injects an
estimated $270 million a year into the region’s economy, bringing
jobs to over 3,200 people, primarily in coastal communities.
The North Pacific fishing industry is thriving and never been stronger.
Fishing fleet accounts for about 40 percent of the U.S. commercial fish
catch every year.
Thanks to well-managed, sustainable fisheries, there are 657 fishing and
seafood companies with more than 15,000 employees in Washington.
Alaska-related commercial fishing contributed more than $600 million in
wages in Puget Sound in 2013!
Puget Sound’s shipyards and related support businesses are particularly
important for the fleet. It is estimated that one quarter of their business is
connected to the Alaska fishing industry bringing an estimated 5,300 jobs
and $390 million in annual wages to Washington state in 2013.
That’s why more people are turning the seafood industry for a great
career! Do you know someone in the seafood industry?
Sources:
NOAA Fisheries’ Fisheries of the United States 2013, September 2014
Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, 2013
Ties that Bind: The Enduring Economic Impact of Alaska on the Puget Sound Region, 2015
FRIENDS
Alaska Ocean Observing
Systems
At-sea Processors Association
Center of Excellence for Marine
Manufacturing & Technology,
Skagit Valley College
Economic Development Council
of Seattle & King County
King County Maritime
Northwest Association of
Networked Ocean Observing
Systems
North Seattle Industrial
Association
Northwest Marine Trade
Association
Northwest Seaport
Pacific Marine Expo
Pacific Seafood Processors
Association
Pacific Science Center
Seafood Nutrition Partnership
Seattle Marine Business
Coalition
Seattle Propeller Club
Slow Food Seattle
Sustainable Seafood Week
Washington Maritime
Washington Maritime
Federation
Seafood 101 is a unique partnership between government, businesses and maritime organizations that celebrates the journey from sea to
market to table. Through a school curriculum program, special events, demonstration and tours, Seafood 101 showcases how government,
business and community leaders are working together to achieve a sustainable, safe and strong fishing industry.
PRESENTING SPONSORS
SPONSORS
GROUND
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 |
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