Publix backs Sustainable Fisheries Partnership; Veramaris releases "Ocean Titans" docuseries

SeafoodSource is closely following the sustainable seafood movement by compiling a regular round-up of sector updates pertaining to eco-certifications.

-Saint Simons Island, Georgia, U.S.A.-based SeaPak Shrimp & Plymouth, Minnesota, U.S.A.-based Seafood and Morey’s Fine Fish & Seafood have joined the Ocean Conservancy’s Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI). The initiative aims to eliminate discarded fishing equipment and gear known as “ghost gear," as well as to improve aquatic ecosystems and protect marine life.

“Together, we will work to reduce ghost gear in the seafood supply chain,” GGGI Associate Director Joel Baziuk said in the 8 June annoucement, timed for World Ocean Day.

- Langebjerg, Denmark-based Unibio has won the Kalundborg Business Council’s Green 2023 Environment and Climate Award, the company announced in a press release on 8 June.  The company manufactures single-cell protein used in fish feed in the E.U. The award was given in recognition of the impact made for Unibio's work in reducing global water consumption . Unibio developed its U-Loop system to produce a single-cell protein with methane as feedstock.

“We are very proud of the work that Unibio is doing to enable our customers to secure sustainable protein for the future, and we are delighted that our work has been recognized by the local business community in this way,” Unibio CEO David Henstrom said.

- Delft, Netherlands-based Veramaris announced a partnership with the World Ocean Council to showcase its new docuseries, Ocean Titans. The series contains footage from inside the Veramaris facility in Blair, Nebraska, U.S.A., which produces microalgae oil for fishmeal and other uses. 

“Our customers are embracing algal oil not only because there isn’t enough fish oil, but also because it’s a reliable and certified sustainable omega-3 solution for aquafeed. We’re now turning our attention to increasing production while advancing product quality and operational efficiency,” Veramaris CEO Gertjan de Koning said.

- On 8 June, Florida-based Publix announced it had donated donated more than UDS 165,000 (EUR 154,000) to support fishery and aquaculture innovation to advance seafood sustainability, through the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP)

“It is important to Publix that we support and assist seafood industry leaders so that meaningful and lasting steps can be taken to protect marine life while allowing for the responsible and sustainable harvesting of seafood,” Publix Seafood Business Development Director Guy Pizzuti said in a press release.

Included in the donations are USD 83,000 (EUR 77,000) in ropeless fishing gear, electronic monitoring systems, and its annual donation of USD 40,000 (EUR 37,000). 

“These donations from Publix are important for two reasons,” SFP Director of Biodiversity and Nature Kathryn Novak said. “First, it sends a signal to fishermen that retailers like Publix are interested in seeing these changes made to protect ocean wildlife from fishing impacts and, second, it helps the fishers over the hurdle of investing in new gear or practices. SFP is proud to partner with Publix on these important initiatives.”