Baker-Polito Administration Announces Launch of Seafood Marketing Program
BOSTON – August 10, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the
launch of a seafood marketing program aimed to increase awareness and demand for
local seafood products and support Massachusetts’ fishing and seafood industries.
The Massachusetts Seafood Marketing Program kicked off its formal marketing efforts
this weekend, participating in the 5th annual Boston Seafood Festival at the Boston
Fish Pier and sponsoring a Cambridge chef’s participation in a national cooking
competition in New Orleans.
«Through the Seafood Marketing Program, we will work with commercial fishermen,
seafood processors, retailers, restaurants and fishing communities to promote the
sale of sustainably-harvested Massachusetts seafood products both locally and in
markets around the world,» said Governor Charlie Baker. «Our administration is
committed to ensuring the future viability of the Commonwealth’s commercial fishing
industry and creating a vibrant food economy in Massachusetts.»
«Massachusetts’ commercial fishing industry and fishing ports contribute
significantly to our economy, and are an essential part of our state’s history and
culture,» said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. «The Seafood Marketing Program is
an important effort to support this iconic and valuable industry and our coastal
communities.»
Managed by the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Marine Fisheries
(DMF), the program will educate people on seafood availability, preparation, health
benefits, economic contribution and environmental sustainability through printed
material, events, partnerships and more. Legislators, agency heads and industry
members comprise the program’s steering committee.
«Massachusetts fishermen and distributors are part of a 400-year-old tradition of
providing delicious, healthy seafood locally and globally,» said Energy and
Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. «It is imperative that we support
them during this time when much of the fishing industry is struggling.»
«Marketing of lesser-known seafood products and partnerships with the fishing and
seafood industry in Massachusetts is critical to the success of commercial
fishermen, other seafood businesses, and the future of our coastal communities,»
said DFG Commissioner George Peterson.
The new seafood marketing program chose the Boston Seafood Festival to launch
because the event celebrates the commercial fishing heritage of Massachusetts while
highlighting the significant infrastructure that is the Boston Fish Pier.
«Here in Massachusetts, we all know that we have the best seafood, not only in the
country but worldwide,» said State Representative Susan Gifford (R-Wareham). «We
just need to do more to get the word out and this new marketing program will start
that process. I’m proud to be part of this as a member of the Marine Fisheries
Seafood Marketing Steering Committee.»
«I appreciate the administration supporting the many facets of local agriculture
including the important seafood industry,» said State Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer).
«Positive marketing of all that Massachusetts has to offer benefits our local
economy and promotes all agriculture.»
«This is a great program to help bolster the commercial fishing industry here in the
Commonwealth and especially in New Bedford,» said State Representative Paul Schmid
(D-Westport). «The fishing industry has a rich history and a substantial impact on
the local economy. Thanks to the Baker Administration for this program and
acknowledging the importance of our fishing industry.»
«Our commercial fisheries are a critical source of jobs in Massachusetts and protein
for our nation, and we need to do everything possible to help them survive and grow
stronger,» said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). «That’s why I
originally filed the legislation to create the marketing program and now it’s more
important than ever to the survival of fishing families, ports, and other
stakeholders.»
As part of the Seafood Marketing Program debut this past weekend, the program
sponsored Cambridge restaurateur Peter McCarthy, the owner of EVOO in Kendall
Square, to participate in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans. Chefs
from twelve states participated in the competition, which is dedicated to promoting
sustainable and domestic fisheries. McCarthy placed third in the competition by
preparing smoked Massachusetts Bay bluefish fillet with corn risotto, zucchini and
tomato-basil relish to highlight Massachusetts seafood cuisine.
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is responsible for promoting the conservation
and enjoyment of the Commonwealth’s natural resources. DFG, with its divisions
including the Division of Marine Fisheries, carries out this mission through land
protection and wildlife habitat management, management of inland and marine fish and
wildlife species, and ecological restoration of fresh water, salt water, and
terrestrial habitats. DFG promotes enjoyment of the Massachusetts environment
through outdoor skills workshops, fishing festivals and other educational programs,
and by enhancing access to the Commonwealth’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.