Publix announced its continued support for seafood sustainability by deepening its relationship with Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, a nonprofit marine conservation organization that works to help rebuild fish stocks and reduce the fishing industry’s impact on ocean wildlife. This year’s donations bring the company’s total contributions to more than $600,000 during their 13-year collaboration.
Over the last year, Publix has donated more than $165,000 to SFP to help support fishery and aquaculture improvement projects and other efforts to advance seafood sustainability.
“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,” said Publix business development director of seafood Guy Pizzuti, in a statement.
The donations include:
• Over $83,000 for ropeless fishing gear, which helps eliminate the risk of whales getting caught in the ropes.
• More than $42,000 for electronic monitoring to reduce bycatch, thereby minimizing when fisheries accidentally catch nontarget wildlife.
• Annual $40,000 donation to support SFP’s initiatives to achieve steady and continuous improvements in fisheries.
“These donations from Publix are important for two reasons,” said SFP director of biodiversity and nature Kathryn Novak, in a statement. “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.”
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