Seafood Expo North America

March 4, 2024 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, but at NOAA Fisheries it’s also a season of seafood! Seafood Expo North America, held every March in Boston for the past 40 years, is the largest trade show in North America.

A bustling, diverse set of seafood companies and interests provide a look into the landscape of today’s global seafood trade. Visitors can satisfy their craving for seafood knowledge and learn more about everything from farmed fish and shellfish to an array of wild-capture seafood and “value-added” products like fish sticks.

NOAA Fisheries is hosting a booth showcasing experts from across federal programs engaged with the seafood supply chain. If you plan to attend, we hope you can join one of our panel discussions (below) or drop by our booth #181.

View the conference program

Sunday, March 10, 2024

1:00 PM-2:00 PM (Room 153A)—Country of Origin Labeling in the Ever-growing Transparent Landscape

Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) is a labeling law that requires retailers, such as full-line grocery stores, supermarkets and club warehouse stores, to notify their customers with information regarding the source of certain foods. The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 was amended to define the commodities required to display origin information when sold by retailers. These “covered commodities” are fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables; wild & farm-raised fish and shellfish; muscle cut and ground chicken, lamb, and goat meat; raw peanuts, pecans, and macadamia nuts; and ginseng. COOL continues to play a vital role in providing consumers information about the source of their foods to assist them in their purchasing decisions. Transparency regarding the origin of seafood ranks high in importance for buyers. This session will cover the importance and evolution of COOL since implementation, and successes from collaboration across the federal government.

3:30 PM-5:00 PM (Room 152)—NOAA Leadership Update: Increasing Seafood Sector Resilience through Science, Management, and Collaboration

U.S. fisheries are among the world’s largest and most sustainable because of our science-based, collaborative management system. In the face of ongoing challenges—including climate change, market disruptions, and new ocean uses—NOAA Fisheries is committed to supporting a thriving U.S. seafood economy and enhancing the resilience of the seafood sector. Last August, the agency released its National Seafood Strategy, based on abundant feedback from stakeholders across the country. The Strategy reinforces NOAA Fisheries’ critical science and management support to the industry and is nested within a suite of policies and guidance that directs NOAA Fisheries’ activities. NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit and other members of NOAA leadership will provide updates on agency priorities, discuss regional impacts of climate change, and share some of the tools and resources NOAA is employing to support increased production and resilience across the industry.

Monday, March 11, 2024

9:00 AM-10:30 AM (Room 204A)—NOAA Fisheries Roundtable on the Seafood Inspection Monitoring Program

In November 2023, NOAA Fisheries announced its decision to conduct a broad review of the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP). As part of the program review, NOAA Fisheries is committed to engaging with and seeking broad input on SIMP from stakeholders, including industry and non-governmental organizations.

This roundtable is intended to be a dialogue between NOAA leadership and industry representatives. Join NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Operations Emily Menashes, and Director of the Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce Alexa Cole to discuss ways to enhance SIMP’s overall impact and effectiveness.