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Chinese distant-water firms plan big push after COVID-19 sales lull

May 28, 2021 โ€” Chinaโ€™s top distant-water fishing firms are making big plans for 2021 after many suffered losses in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chinese tuna fishery firm Shanghai Kaichuang Marine International Co. is predicting a bounce-back year on predicted stronger sales of its marquee product. The pandemic seriously dented demand and pricing for the firmโ€™s tuna, according to the company, which reported a 10.9 percent year-on-year decline in revenues last year to CNY 1.9 billion (USD 285 million, EUR 247 million), alongside a 17.5 percent drop in profits, which sunk to CNY 135 million (USD 20.2 million, EUR 17.5 million).

Read the full story at Seafood Source

US senators ask for reconsideration of mask mandates on commercial fishing vessels

May 28, 2021 โ€” Following federal changes to masking guidelines for fully vaccinated citizens, issued on 13 May, Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire) submitted a letter to the U.S. Coast Guard and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) requesting a revisit and possible revision of federal masking mandates for commercial fishing vessels.

โ€œWe encourage the CDC โ€“ in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard โ€“ to revisit mask-wearing requirements specific to workers in the commercial fishing industry,โ€ the 25 May letter states.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

WASHINGTON: WDFW seeks feedback on plan to distribute $40 million in relief funding to commercial fishing, charter fishing, seafood processing and shellfish aquaculture industry members

May 28, 2021 โ€” The following was released by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife:

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is looking for feedback from commercial fishers, shellfish growers, charter boat owners, seafood processors, and members of the public as it develops a spending plan for $40 million in federal relief funding for industry members impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding is part of an additional $255 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding approved by the U.S. Congress that followed an initial $300 appropriation, of which Washington state received $50 million, last summer. The current allocation includes $30 million for all federally recognized tribes in coastal states and the Great Lakes and $15 million for Great Lakes states.

โ€œWeโ€™re thrilled to be able to begin the process to provide another round of relief funding distributed to support commercial seafood, charter and shellfish aquaculture industry members here in Washington state,โ€ said Ron Warren, WDFW fish policy director. โ€œWe applaud our federal leaders for relentlessly championing this funding. As we develop a fair and balanced plan to distribute this funding, itโ€™s critical that we hear from industry members most impacted by the pandemic.โ€

In coordination with the Governorโ€™s Office, WDFW will be working with the state departments of Agriculture and Commerce to develop criteria for receiving funding assistance based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) guidance.

Once developed, Washington will submit its plan to NOAA fisheries for approval and then to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission to manage the application process and distribute funds.

To learn more and provide feedback, industry members are invited to tune in to an online public meeting at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 8: https://zoom.us/j/96045781724

For more information on how to participate and to find call-in details, visit wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/commercial/federal-disaster-assistance/cares-act. The meeting will be recorded and posted online so people can also watch the meetings afterwards at their convenience.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.

Senators Hassan, Murkowski Call on CDC and Coast Guard to Change Mask Requirements for Commercial Fishing Industry

May 27, 2021 โ€” The following was released by The Office of Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK):

In a letter to the CDC and Coast Guard, the Senators discuss the latest CDC mask guidance and write, โ€œMany fishing vessel operators were therefore understandably dismayed to learn that the most recent CDC guidance does not loosen restrictions for fishing vessels that are staffed by fully vaccinated persons and are not passenger-carrying vessels as defined under 42 CFR 70.1.โ€

The Senators go on to discuss the concerns that they have heard from fishermen: โ€œIt is worth noting that wearing a mask on a fishing vessel may increase safety risks for operators and crew. Fishing vessels frequently use loud motors or machinery that can make it difficult for crew members to hear one another, so they may rely on lip-reading to improve communication and work together safely. Masks are also frequently wet from sea spray, which can make it more difficult to breathe. This is a condition that the CDC has generally recognized is problematic. Despite these facts, fishermen have continued to abide by the order and guidance to address the public health threat posed by COVID-19. We urge the CDC and the Coast Guard to work swiftly together to reconsider their guidance as it applies to commercial fishing vessels in order to promote the safe operation of fishing vessels and safety of the crew.โ€

Senators Hassan and Murkowski sent the letter after hearing from New Hampshire fishermen at the Yankee Fishermenโ€™s Cooperative and members of the Alaska fishing industry about the dangers of wearing a mask while they work. Senators Hassan and Murkowski raised these concerns directly with CDC Director Rochelle Walensky during a recent hearing, and their letter further pushes for immediate action.

The full letter can be read here and below. 

Dear Director Walensky and Admiral Schultz:

On May 13, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated COVID-19 guidance related mask wearing stating that fully vaccinated people can resume many pre-pandemic activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing.1 This guidance is welcomed news, and a clear confirmation that the COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19, especially cases that lead to severe illness and death. We are deeply grateful for the work conducted by CDC, the National Institutes of Health, and the larger scientific and public health communities that enabled us to reach this critical milestone.

Under the new guidance, CDC notes that all travelers will still be required to wear a mask on all planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation, and in transportation hubs such as airports and train and bus stations. We recognize the importance of continued mask-wearing for travelers throughout the country, and strongly urge all Americans to abide by the latest COVID-19 safety recommendations, as well as other federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations related to mask-wearing and social distancing, including those in local businesses and workplaces.

However, we encourage the CDC โ€“ in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard (Coast Guard) โ€“ to revisit mask-wearing requirements specific to workers in the commercial fishing industry. In response to the CDC guidance published on May 13, 2021, the commercial fishing community has expressed confusion about the implementation of the new guidance on fishing vessels that are operating with all fully vaccinated staff. In response, we sought clarification from the Coast Guard about whether fully vaccinated commercial fishing crew are still required to wear masks. On May 14, 2021, Coast Guard personnel confirmed that the agency would need to wait for changes to the CDC Mask Order and associated CDC guidance for conveyances and transportation hubs before it could revise its Marine Safety Information Bulletin and address requirements for fishing vessels.

The CDC Mask Order issued on January 29, 2021 requires that persons operating or traveling on conveyances must wear masks โ€œfor the duration of travel.โ€3 On February 1, 2021, the Coast Guard issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin in response to the CDC order.4 The Bulletin notes that the Executive Order applied to all โ€œโ€˜public maritime vessels, including ferriesโ€™ to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19,โ€ and further requires that โ€œall persons travelling on all commercial vessels to wear a mask.โ€

Many fishing vessel operators were therefore understandably dismayed to learn that the most recent CDC guidance does not loosen restrictions for fishing vessels that are staffed by fully vaccinated persons and are not passenger-carrying vessels as defined under 42 CFR 70.1. It is worth noting that wearing a mask on a fishing vessel may increase safety risks for operators and crew. Fishing vessels frequently use loud motors or machinery that can make it difficult for crew members to hear one another, so they may rely on lip-reading to improve communication and work together safely. Masks are also frequently wet from sea spray, which can make it more difficult to breathe. This is a condition that the CDC has generally recognized is problematic. Despite these facts, fishermen have continued to abide by the order and guidance to address the public health threat posed by COVID-19.

We urge the CDC and the Coast Guard to work swiftly together to reconsider their guidance as it applies to commercial fishing vessels in order to promote the safe operation of fishing vessels and safety of the crew.

Whole Foods, other US grocery chains expanding

May 27, 2021 โ€” Thanks to increased demand for grocery products during the pandemic, several U.S. grocery chains are expanding.

Whole Foods Market plans to add nearly 40 new stores in several states, and has 10,000 open positions across the company, the Austin, Texas-based retailer said in a press release.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

YONATHAN ZOHAR & RUSSELL T. HILL: America has an opportunity in aquaculture, but Congress needs to clear regulatory path first

May 27, 2021 โ€” The seafood industry is at crossroads in America. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the seafood supply chain distribution, causing severe financial setbacks to suppliers and distributors. And while many businesses are starting to rebound, the U.S. seafood industry remains at a significant disadvantage: It relies almost solely on international imports. In fact, 90% of seafood that Americans consume is imported, creating a trade deficit of over $17 billion annually. The U.S. is missing an opportunity to create a competitive seafood industry with new jobs and a boost to the economy at a time when itโ€™s needed most.

As the country reopens after the pandemic, and restaurant dining continues to increase, seafood will play a vital role in feeding America. And, the worldwide demand for seafood will only continue to grow. In fact, the Economics of Aquaculture Policy and Regulation says 40 million tons of fish will be needed to meet demand by 2030. Plus, with the world population projected to reach 9 billion by 2050, according to the National Research Council, and per capita seafood consumption on the rise, America will need a diverse set of food sources to meet these needs.

This is where an American aquaculture industry can fill critical food, nutrition and economic needs. Aquaculture โ€” the farming of finfish, shellfish and other marine life โ€” is the fastest growing food production sector in the world and has been responsible for nearly all of the global seafood supply growth since the 1990s. With half of all seafood consumed today being farm raised, aquaculture presents a unique opportunity to build an American seafood future that can bring us through this challenging time and support a diverse workforce, enhance sustainable ecosystems and provide healthful, locally sourced protein for Americans.

As professors at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology in Baltimore, we see the major potential for environmentally compatible land-based aquaculture systems as well as the need to consider offshore aquaculture if the right regulatory framework can be put in place to minimize environmental impact. Research and monitoring are critical to establish and maintain high environmental standards.

Read the full opinion piece at The Baltimore Sun

MASSACHUSETTS: Dunkinโ€™ gift cards available to all New Bedford vaccine recipients; waterfront site to close

May 27, 2021 โ€” On May 30, the waterfront vaccination clinic at Hervey Tichon Avenue will distribute its last doses of COVID-19 vaccines for walk-up appointments.

According to a press release from the city, the site operated by CIC Health will close this weekend. Vaccines will be available this weekend including Saturday, May 29, and Sunday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some second-dose appointments are also scheduled for June 1.

The waterfront site was a mobile vaccination site in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide additional doses to hardest-hit communities.

CIC Health will now offer vaccinations at the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center at 181 Hillman St. on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting June 7. Mobile vaccine clinics are available at grocery stores, schools and community partners. A full schedule of supermarket and community-based walk-up vaccination clinics will be announced.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global Rescheduled for 26-28 April 2022

May 26, 2021 โ€” The following was released by Diversified Communications:

Keeping our customersโ€™ best interest in mind is our top priority. After evaluation of suppliers and buyersโ€™ concerns around the continued uncertainties caused by the on-going COVID-19 situation worldwide, it became evident that 2021 would still be too soon to host an international event that would provide the global experience the seafood community would find valuable. The 28th edition of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global will now take place 26-28 April 2022.

Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global is the worldโ€™s largest and most diverse seafood trade event bringing together more than 29,000 industry professionals from around the globe. More than 158 countries are represented at the event and each countryโ€™s complex COVID-19 regulations and governmental restrictions make it impossible to hold a large-scale global event in September 2021.

We are committed to Barcelona and will continue working with Fira de Barcelona and the city to host a valuable in-person event at the Gran Via venue in 2022. We have received strong participation interest from all sectors of the global seafood industry and look forward to having the most successful first edition in the beautiful city of Barcelona, Spain.

We understand the need for our customers to meet with industry buyers during these challenging times. Until we can meet again face to face in Barcelona, we will be looking at online event opportunities to connect suppliers and buyers and keep the seafood community informed on the latest topics in the industry.

If you have any questions, please donโ€™t hesitate to contact us at info-global@seafoodexpo.comor visit our website at www.seafoodexpo.com/global for additional information.

We canโ€™t wait to see you all in Barcelona on 26-28 April 2022!

COVID-19 delays inaugural Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global in Barcelona

May 26, 2021 โ€” The first edition of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global to take place in Barcelona has been pushed back due to COVID-19.

The 28th edition of the worldโ€™s largest seafood expo, which was scheduled to take place in Barcelona, Spain from 7 to 9 September, 2021, will now take place 26 to 28 April, 2022, Portland, Maine, U.S.A.-based organizer Diversified Communications announced on Wednesday, 26 May. 

Read the full story at Seafood Source

The U.S. government is buying $40 million worth of pistachios and $70 million of seafood

May 21, 2021 โ€” Pistachios are my favorite nut. I can house a whole bag of those in no time at all. Apparently the American government is into them too, because theyโ€™re not buying just a bunch, but a massive amount. During times of crop and product surpluses, the USDA will buy up extra to keep Americaโ€™s food banks stocked; in 2016, it bought $20 million in cheese. Now, Food & Wine reports, the government is buying up millions of dollars of pistachios, among other delicious bounties.

Itโ€™s obvious that COVID-19 has mucked up all sorts of farming supply issues, and plenty of Americans are having a hard time getting by. So the USDA is currently making big buys to help those that produce food and those who need it. Last week the Biden administration announced that the USDA would be purchasing $159.4 million worth of seafood, fruits, legumes, and nuts. Of that, $70.9 million will be spent on seafood, the largest government seafood purchase ever.

โ€œThe impacts of COVID-19 reverberated from our farms to our oceans,โ€ said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. โ€œU.S. fisheries and the American seafood industry were dealt a heavy blowโ€ฆ. These healthy, nutritious food purchases will benefit food banks and non-profits helping those struggling with food hardship as the Biden Administration works to get the economy back on track for American families.โ€

Read the full story at The Takeout

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