The following grant recipients have been selected for funding towards their projects:
2023 Funding
Ocean Strategies - Improve coordination and education between existing and future aquaculture industries, and California’s commercial fishing community
This project seeks to improve coordination and education between existing and future aquaculture industries, and California’s commercial fishing community (including fishermen, leadership, staff, supply chain, NGO partners and policy-makers). This effort is particularly timely considering the aquaculture siting and development efforts occurring off the California coast, and the existing and potential tensions between wild and farmed seafood stakeholders. The need and strategy for this project is informed by Ocean Strategies’ past 2.5 years of investigative and coalition work within national aquaculture dialogues broadly, and with Pacific coast and commercial fishing stakeholders specifically. It is also informed by previous outreach by the Shareholders Alliance in the Gulf of Mexico (a former Sea Pact grantee), whose methodology, results, and relationships which will be scaled and leveraged. This project aligns well with Sea Pact's North American responsible aquaculture priority and builds off lessons learned from a similar Sea Pact-funded effort in the Gulf of Mexico.
Otoliths-Lada Canada - First-step towards age-based stock assessment for three crab species in North America
Fisheries management of fish species primarily rely only on age-based stock assessment, not on length-based due, to the accuracy of the former method. This type of assessment in crab species requires the availability of age which is determined by counting bands in hard structures such as otoliths. In crustaceans, fisheries management currently relies on only length-based plan due to the absence of method of age determination due to the loss of hard structures during molting. The project seeks to assess a novel technique for age determination in three crab species in North America for the first time. This technique was developed in 2012 and assessed the use of growth bands on the stomach teeth as an age indicator for crab species. Funding for this type of research is often difficult to secure but holds strong potential to improve crab stock assessments contributing to sustainable management of many crab fisheries, aligning strongly with Sea Pact's sector-based sustainability priority.
This project seeks to improve coordination and education between existing and future aquaculture industries, and California’s commercial fishing community (including fishermen, leadership, staff, supply chain, NGO partners and policy-makers). This effort is particularly timely considering the aquaculture siting and development efforts occurring off the California coast, and the existing and potential tensions between wild and farmed seafood stakeholders. The need and strategy for this project is informed by Ocean Strategies’ past 2.5 years of investigative and coalition work within national aquaculture dialogues broadly, and with Pacific coast and commercial fishing stakeholders specifically. It is also informed by previous outreach by the Shareholders Alliance in the Gulf of Mexico (a former Sea Pact grantee), whose methodology, results, and relationships which will be scaled and leveraged. This project aligns well with Sea Pact's North American responsible aquaculture priority and builds off lessons learned from a similar Sea Pact-funded effort in the Gulf of Mexico.
Otoliths-Lada Canada - First-step towards age-based stock assessment for three crab species in North America
Fisheries management of fish species primarily rely only on age-based stock assessment, not on length-based due, to the accuracy of the former method. This type of assessment in crab species requires the availability of age which is determined by counting bands in hard structures such as otoliths. In crustaceans, fisheries management currently relies on only length-based plan due to the absence of method of age determination due to the loss of hard structures during molting. The project seeks to assess a novel technique for age determination in three crab species in North America for the first time. This technique was developed in 2012 and assessed the use of growth bands on the stomach teeth as an age indicator for crab species. Funding for this type of research is often difficult to secure but holds strong potential to improve crab stock assessments contributing to sustainable management of many crab fisheries, aligning strongly with Sea Pact's sector-based sustainability priority.
2022 Funding
Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technology (SAFET) - Supporting the regional adoption of electronic monitoring systems through a community of practice and innovation
SAFET will facilitate workshops with fishery managers, technology developers and fishery practitioners to accelerate the adoption of viable electronic monitoring (EM) systems, particularly with developing states, and to do so through the development of an EM Community of Practice and Innovation. EM is a proven tool to expand the availability and accuracy of fisheries data that can be used to improve transparency and compliance while supporting science-based fisheries management. Data derived from EM can also support the outcomes of market-based programs such as fishery improvement projects (FIPs) and the achievement of eco-labels (e.g., Marine
Stewardship Council and Fair-Trade USA). Regional Fishery Management Organizations (RFMOs) and independent governments have already made commitments to EM. However, uncoordinated pilots happening in silo, small-scale projects, and the absence of consistent performance standards have hindered the scalability of EM and have increased program costs. SAFET seeks to bridge these gaps though creating better alignment and collaboration across fishery stakeholders in the region.
Ocean Era / Center for Aquaculture Technologies - PDMA as a carbon-negative feed for farmed Atlantic salmon
There is growing interest in the culture of seaweeds (macro-algae) for the environmental and socio‐economic benefits. Seaweed culture requires no land area, freshwater, or fertilizer, and absorbs carbon dioxide – reducing ocean acidification, greenhouse gases, and yielding a carbon‐ negative product. However, expansion of seaweed culture is constrained by the limited commercial uses in animal feeds. There is an ongoing focus to reduce the environmental footprint of diets for farmed fish, but seaweed is not usually considered a feed for fish because its long polysaccharide chains are relatively indigestible. Ocean Era (in collaboration with National Renewable Energy Laboratory ‐ NREL, and Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Project Agency – Energy ‐ ARPA‐E), has developed a process for fermentation of seaweeds to render them more digestible by fish. Ocean Era has tested partially digested macro-algae (PDMA) in tilapia diets, with encouraging results with additional trials with shrimp and yellowtail are pending. Through this project, the Center for Aquaculture Technologies will expand PDMA feed trials to include farmed salmonids.
Global Tuna Alliance (GTA) - Japanese tuna supply chain engagement
The GTA will hire an outreach officer in Japan who will work closely with Seafood Legacy to expand industry engagement on tuna sustainability issues in this important and influential marketplace. The aim of the project is to secure the membership of three Japanese companies within 12 months, and demonstrate their engagement with the Japanese tuna regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) delegations in calling for implementation of harvest strategies. The benefits of this project will include supply chain representation in Japan, access to Japanese tuna RFMO delegation, and greater alignment of global supply chain on tuna sustainability priorities.
Mote Marine Laboratory - Electronic monitoring (EM) for sustainability in a Gulf of Mexico multi-species fishery
Mote Marine Laboratory’s (Mote) Center for Fisheries Electronic Monitoring is currently developing and accessing electronic monitoring technology as a tool in the Gulf of Mexico commercial reef fish fishery to meet the demand by industry and management for accurate, independent data to ensure long-term fishery health. Objective catch data are necessary to ensure the fishery’s health, however, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Fisheries Observer Program is only able to monitor about 2% of activity in this fishery. Mote is working closely with management and industry partners to apply EM technology onboard commercial vessels to document patterns in catch, bycatch, and discards — critical needs to promote sustainable fishing practices. For this initiative, video systems on fishing vessels will record the latest fishing activities, imagery will be reviewed to calculate the Catch-Per-Unit-Effort (CPUE), and hotspots maps indicating high catch and low bycatch locations will be rapidly generated to inform upcoming fishing activities and help managers better understand and manage the stock. The project will further advance electronic technologies to improve documentation, data visioning, conservation of public resources, stock assessments, and monitoring of catch and bycatch in federally managed fisheries.
Seafood Literacy - Seafood Literacy retail education program
This project will support education of retail seafood counter associates via the Seafood Literacy e-learning program. Education topics include why sustainable seafood matters, sustainability from sourcing to serving, and types of fishing and aquaculture methods, providing further confidence to counter associates when discussing seafood sustainability and other seafood topics with consumers.
FishWise - From commitment to action plan: Supporting Sea Pact’s social responsibility priority through engagement and capacity building
Funding provided will cover phase 1 of this project which is to lead a novel social responsibility working group to identify timelines, goals, and targets for Sea Pact members to address their commitment to their social responsibility strategic priority. The social responsibility working group will help align Sea Pact members’ individual and collective efforts and organize work streams related to social responsibility.
Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) - Applying video monitoring technology to assess the fisheries habitat value of aquaculture farms in the Gulf of Maine
Studies have shown that shellfish and marine algae farms can be beneficial to commercially important fish species by offering physical structure and refuge from predation, providing or aggregating food resources, and positively influencing substrate, hydrodynamics, and hydrology. In the Gulf of Maine, several commercially important fish species that use inshore habitats as nurseries include Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), and Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus). These species are depressed or declining in abundance but would be expected to benefit from the types of habitat provided by aquaculture facilities. GMRI researchers will assess the abundance, species composition, and behavior of fish associated with oyster and mussel farms as well as on control plots along Maine’s coast using a custom underwater setup with GoPro cameras. Researchers will build and test the custom video monitoring apparatus and test and refine theirs methods, as well as collect environmental data at each site such as current, temperature, and light.
SAFET will facilitate workshops with fishery managers, technology developers and fishery practitioners to accelerate the adoption of viable electronic monitoring (EM) systems, particularly with developing states, and to do so through the development of an EM Community of Practice and Innovation. EM is a proven tool to expand the availability and accuracy of fisheries data that can be used to improve transparency and compliance while supporting science-based fisheries management. Data derived from EM can also support the outcomes of market-based programs such as fishery improvement projects (FIPs) and the achievement of eco-labels (e.g., Marine
Stewardship Council and Fair-Trade USA). Regional Fishery Management Organizations (RFMOs) and independent governments have already made commitments to EM. However, uncoordinated pilots happening in silo, small-scale projects, and the absence of consistent performance standards have hindered the scalability of EM and have increased program costs. SAFET seeks to bridge these gaps though creating better alignment and collaboration across fishery stakeholders in the region.
Ocean Era / Center for Aquaculture Technologies - PDMA as a carbon-negative feed for farmed Atlantic salmon
There is growing interest in the culture of seaweeds (macro-algae) for the environmental and socio‐economic benefits. Seaweed culture requires no land area, freshwater, or fertilizer, and absorbs carbon dioxide – reducing ocean acidification, greenhouse gases, and yielding a carbon‐ negative product. However, expansion of seaweed culture is constrained by the limited commercial uses in animal feeds. There is an ongoing focus to reduce the environmental footprint of diets for farmed fish, but seaweed is not usually considered a feed for fish because its long polysaccharide chains are relatively indigestible. Ocean Era (in collaboration with National Renewable Energy Laboratory ‐ NREL, and Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Project Agency – Energy ‐ ARPA‐E), has developed a process for fermentation of seaweeds to render them more digestible by fish. Ocean Era has tested partially digested macro-algae (PDMA) in tilapia diets, with encouraging results with additional trials with shrimp and yellowtail are pending. Through this project, the Center for Aquaculture Technologies will expand PDMA feed trials to include farmed salmonids.
Global Tuna Alliance (GTA) - Japanese tuna supply chain engagement
The GTA will hire an outreach officer in Japan who will work closely with Seafood Legacy to expand industry engagement on tuna sustainability issues in this important and influential marketplace. The aim of the project is to secure the membership of three Japanese companies within 12 months, and demonstrate their engagement with the Japanese tuna regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) delegations in calling for implementation of harvest strategies. The benefits of this project will include supply chain representation in Japan, access to Japanese tuna RFMO delegation, and greater alignment of global supply chain on tuna sustainability priorities.
Mote Marine Laboratory - Electronic monitoring (EM) for sustainability in a Gulf of Mexico multi-species fishery
Mote Marine Laboratory’s (Mote) Center for Fisheries Electronic Monitoring is currently developing and accessing electronic monitoring technology as a tool in the Gulf of Mexico commercial reef fish fishery to meet the demand by industry and management for accurate, independent data to ensure long-term fishery health. Objective catch data are necessary to ensure the fishery’s health, however, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Fisheries Observer Program is only able to monitor about 2% of activity in this fishery. Mote is working closely with management and industry partners to apply EM technology onboard commercial vessels to document patterns in catch, bycatch, and discards — critical needs to promote sustainable fishing practices. For this initiative, video systems on fishing vessels will record the latest fishing activities, imagery will be reviewed to calculate the Catch-Per-Unit-Effort (CPUE), and hotspots maps indicating high catch and low bycatch locations will be rapidly generated to inform upcoming fishing activities and help managers better understand and manage the stock. The project will further advance electronic technologies to improve documentation, data visioning, conservation of public resources, stock assessments, and monitoring of catch and bycatch in federally managed fisheries.
Seafood Literacy - Seafood Literacy retail education program
This project will support education of retail seafood counter associates via the Seafood Literacy e-learning program. Education topics include why sustainable seafood matters, sustainability from sourcing to serving, and types of fishing and aquaculture methods, providing further confidence to counter associates when discussing seafood sustainability and other seafood topics with consumers.
FishWise - From commitment to action plan: Supporting Sea Pact’s social responsibility priority through engagement and capacity building
Funding provided will cover phase 1 of this project which is to lead a novel social responsibility working group to identify timelines, goals, and targets for Sea Pact members to address their commitment to their social responsibility strategic priority. The social responsibility working group will help align Sea Pact members’ individual and collective efforts and organize work streams related to social responsibility.
Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) - Applying video monitoring technology to assess the fisheries habitat value of aquaculture farms in the Gulf of Maine
Studies have shown that shellfish and marine algae farms can be beneficial to commercially important fish species by offering physical structure and refuge from predation, providing or aggregating food resources, and positively influencing substrate, hydrodynamics, and hydrology. In the Gulf of Maine, several commercially important fish species that use inshore habitats as nurseries include Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), and Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus). These species are depressed or declining in abundance but would be expected to benefit from the types of habitat provided by aquaculture facilities. GMRI researchers will assess the abundance, species composition, and behavior of fish associated with oyster and mussel farms as well as on control plots along Maine’s coast using a custom underwater setup with GoPro cameras. Researchers will build and test the custom video monitoring apparatus and test and refine theirs methods, as well as collect environmental data at each site such as current, temperature, and light.
2021 Funding
Reef Fish Conservation and Education Foundation - Building Bridges in the Gulf of Mexico to Support and Enhance Collaboration in the NOAA Aquaculture Opportunity Area Process
This project aims to 1) build communication bridges between the commercial wild harvest and aquaculture industries that will lead to a bolstered and more unified domestic seafood industry, 2) inform the Gulf Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOA) discussion to ensure an effective and sustainable Gulf AOA, and 3) solidify a stakeholder-driven and collaborative education process that can be replicated for forthcoming AOAs in other regions of the U.S.
They will organize and implement five moderated in-person or online workshops to bring together up to 50 commercial wild harvest fishermen, finfish aquaculture representatives, and seafood supply chain partners in coastal communities across the Gulf. They will produce a strategic report that identifies opportunities for collaboration and coordinated messaging points that these two sectors can jointly deliver to NOAA.
Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) - Building the Foundation for the Gender Dialogues
The goal of this project is to create the foundation of the Gender Dialogues (Phase 1). The ultimate objectives of Phase I of this project will be to 1) conduct outreach to and engage seafood industry leadership and secure their support of the implementation of the Gender Dialogues; 2) prepare the foundation of the Gender Dialogues, including a budget and fundraising/sponsorship plan; and 3) create a facilitation plan to ensure the dialogues are productive and beneficial to the participants and the industry.
A survey conducted in 2018 by the NGO International Women in the Seafood Industry asked members of the seafood industry if the industry is “equally attractive and fair to both sexes.” The answers show that men and women in the sector “do not share the same perception.” One of the key recommendations to come out of the report of the survey is that men should be engaged in discussions on gender equality. In other words, conversations with women about women is not enough. With the support of Sea Pact, SAGE will build the foundation to launch the Gender Dialogues in 2022 to engage industry leadership to discuss barriers to gender equality in the seafood industry and co-create solutions to encourage participation of enthusiastic and qualified leaders of all genders, well positioned to lead the seafood industry into a bright, post-Covid-19 future.
Sustainable Eel Group - Pilot a Sustainability Standard for American Eel
This project will develop and pilot a first version of the SEG (Sustainable Eel Group) sustainability standard for the American Eel, in a subsample of the supply chain in the United States by adapting the standard for the European Eel to be suitable for the American Eel (differences in biology status and legislation).
They will apply to the fishery, trade and farm aspects of the supply chain to test its application, complete assessment reports and issue certificates. They will collate learnings from the process from the project workers and stakeholders and report on improvements and resources required for following phases – beyond pilot and to full implementation.
This project aims to 1) build communication bridges between the commercial wild harvest and aquaculture industries that will lead to a bolstered and more unified domestic seafood industry, 2) inform the Gulf Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOA) discussion to ensure an effective and sustainable Gulf AOA, and 3) solidify a stakeholder-driven and collaborative education process that can be replicated for forthcoming AOAs in other regions of the U.S.
They will organize and implement five moderated in-person or online workshops to bring together up to 50 commercial wild harvest fishermen, finfish aquaculture representatives, and seafood supply chain partners in coastal communities across the Gulf. They will produce a strategic report that identifies opportunities for collaboration and coordinated messaging points that these two sectors can jointly deliver to NOAA.
Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) - Building the Foundation for the Gender Dialogues
The goal of this project is to create the foundation of the Gender Dialogues (Phase 1). The ultimate objectives of Phase I of this project will be to 1) conduct outreach to and engage seafood industry leadership and secure their support of the implementation of the Gender Dialogues; 2) prepare the foundation of the Gender Dialogues, including a budget and fundraising/sponsorship plan; and 3) create a facilitation plan to ensure the dialogues are productive and beneficial to the participants and the industry.
A survey conducted in 2018 by the NGO International Women in the Seafood Industry asked members of the seafood industry if the industry is “equally attractive and fair to both sexes.” The answers show that men and women in the sector “do not share the same perception.” One of the key recommendations to come out of the report of the survey is that men should be engaged in discussions on gender equality. In other words, conversations with women about women is not enough. With the support of Sea Pact, SAGE will build the foundation to launch the Gender Dialogues in 2022 to engage industry leadership to discuss barriers to gender equality in the seafood industry and co-create solutions to encourage participation of enthusiastic and qualified leaders of all genders, well positioned to lead the seafood industry into a bright, post-Covid-19 future.
Sustainable Eel Group - Pilot a Sustainability Standard for American Eel
This project will develop and pilot a first version of the SEG (Sustainable Eel Group) sustainability standard for the American Eel, in a subsample of the supply chain in the United States by adapting the standard for the European Eel to be suitable for the American Eel (differences in biology status and legislation).
They will apply to the fishery, trade and farm aspects of the supply chain to test its application, complete assessment reports and issue certificates. They will collate learnings from the process from the project workers and stakeholders and report on improvements and resources required for following phases – beyond pilot and to full implementation.
2019 Funding
Conservation International - Integrating Social Responsibility in Fishery Improvement Projects
The project focus is to integrate social responsibility into the Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) model, and broaden and strengthen the impact of FIPs, as a strong vehicle to drive change and align private sector, non-profit, and governmental actions to improve social performance. They will pilot a new, collaboratively developed Rapid Assessment Protocol for Socially Responsible Seafood, and implement an assurance program in a pilot Fishery Improvement Project (focused on Pacific longline-caught tuna), supporting partner co-learning, capacity development for implementation, and data systems for supply chain management.
Ocean Outcomes - China Red Swimming Crab Fishery Ghost Gear Management Pilot
The project aims to integrate ghost gear solutions with growing fishery improvement efforts and 1) demonstrate the practical application of ghost gear assessment criteria being developed from the Global Ghost Gear Initiative’s (GGGI) Best Practice’s Framework for the Management of Fishing Gear, and show they can be used as an integral part of fishery pre-assessments to support FIP design or fishery certification processes; and 2) implement fleet-wide measures for the Fujian Zhangzhou Red Swimming Crab Fishery to minimize loss of crab gear and mitigate impacts of ghost gear through a management plan that guides and evaluates performance.
The Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium - Helping Fisheries Lower Risk of Whale Entanglement
The project will leverage their expertise on right whales and bycatch reduction techniques to create tools that will help Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fisheries meet any new conditions around interactions with North Atlantic right whales to enable them to maintain certification. Combined information from scientific gear trials, population status, and other research with MSC criteria performance indicators will be made publicly available on platforms such as FisheryProgress.org to the benefit of seafood buyers and other stakeholders.
Mainland High School - Shell-a-Brate Good Times
This project at the Aquaculture and Marine Science program (Daytona Beach, Florida) is focused on inspiring students toward aquaculture careers. Their project will construct a hard clam hatchery with locally sourced materials. Students will design and implement plans to culture the hard clam from seed to nursery. They will subsequently follow the complete cycle from grow-out to market. A key outcome will be to increase awareness of the growing Florida bivalve aquaculture market to young students in an economically challenged region.
City University Hong Kong - Development of environmental DNA (eDNA) tools for early detection of pathogens relevant to aquaculture in Southeast Asia
The project’s aim is to develop environmental DNA (eDNA) tools for early detection of pathogens relevant to aquaculture in Southeast Asia. eDNA is a front-line methodology that can identify and quantify the genetic material of different pathogens present in the water column before a disease occurs. Asia produces 89% of the world’s farmed food fish, and for many aquaculture industries up to 40% of production is lost to diseases. Early pathogen detection is therefore crucial for the successful health management and control of diseases in aquaculture. This project will be able to dramatically improve the response capability of aquaculture farmers to disease risk in SE Asia.
The project focus is to integrate social responsibility into the Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) model, and broaden and strengthen the impact of FIPs, as a strong vehicle to drive change and align private sector, non-profit, and governmental actions to improve social performance. They will pilot a new, collaboratively developed Rapid Assessment Protocol for Socially Responsible Seafood, and implement an assurance program in a pilot Fishery Improvement Project (focused on Pacific longline-caught tuna), supporting partner co-learning, capacity development for implementation, and data systems for supply chain management.
Ocean Outcomes - China Red Swimming Crab Fishery Ghost Gear Management Pilot
The project aims to integrate ghost gear solutions with growing fishery improvement efforts and 1) demonstrate the practical application of ghost gear assessment criteria being developed from the Global Ghost Gear Initiative’s (GGGI) Best Practice’s Framework for the Management of Fishing Gear, and show they can be used as an integral part of fishery pre-assessments to support FIP design or fishery certification processes; and 2) implement fleet-wide measures for the Fujian Zhangzhou Red Swimming Crab Fishery to minimize loss of crab gear and mitigate impacts of ghost gear through a management plan that guides and evaluates performance.
The Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium - Helping Fisheries Lower Risk of Whale Entanglement
The project will leverage their expertise on right whales and bycatch reduction techniques to create tools that will help Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fisheries meet any new conditions around interactions with North Atlantic right whales to enable them to maintain certification. Combined information from scientific gear trials, population status, and other research with MSC criteria performance indicators will be made publicly available on platforms such as FisheryProgress.org to the benefit of seafood buyers and other stakeholders.
Mainland High School - Shell-a-Brate Good Times
This project at the Aquaculture and Marine Science program (Daytona Beach, Florida) is focused on inspiring students toward aquaculture careers. Their project will construct a hard clam hatchery with locally sourced materials. Students will design and implement plans to culture the hard clam from seed to nursery. They will subsequently follow the complete cycle from grow-out to market. A key outcome will be to increase awareness of the growing Florida bivalve aquaculture market to young students in an economically challenged region.
City University Hong Kong - Development of environmental DNA (eDNA) tools for early detection of pathogens relevant to aquaculture in Southeast Asia
The project’s aim is to develop environmental DNA (eDNA) tools for early detection of pathogens relevant to aquaculture in Southeast Asia. eDNA is a front-line methodology that can identify and quantify the genetic material of different pathogens present in the water column before a disease occurs. Asia produces 89% of the world’s farmed food fish, and for many aquaculture industries up to 40% of production is lost to diseases. Early pathogen detection is therefore crucial for the successful health management and control of diseases in aquaculture. This project will be able to dramatically improve the response capability of aquaculture farmers to disease risk in SE Asia.
Infographics courtesy of Edith Shum
Infographics courtesy of Edith Shum
2017 & 2018 Funding
Pelagikos - Introducing a crew-based observer program in the Sri Lanka longline tuna and swordfish Fishery Improvement Project
The project is introducing a crew-based observer program on 30 Sri Lankan longline vessels to respond to the problem of inadequate information and data regarding ETP species discarded from Sri Lanka’s longline tuna fishery. The catch monitoring system currently in place uses paper logbooks to record information about the target and non-target species caught and landed or discarded. This method is not sufficient for the fishery to pass MSC performance indicators, and this will be addressed by training and supporting fishworkers to record retained and discarded species (including ETP species).
Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) - Creating a tool to improve regional shrimp aquaculture water quality management
This project is focused on creating a tool that will enable seafood production industries to improve regional water quality management and protection of the water resource that is essential to all aquaculture production. They will do this by adapting a tool developed for salmon net pen industry planning to the context of pond-based shrimp aquaculture in Asia. The test of a simple, cost effective approach to assessing water quality of shared water bodies for shrimp farming will be piloted in Thailand, with the aim of developing a model that could be applied more broadly.
Asian Seafood Improvement Collaborative (ASIC) - Improving wild caught shrimp broodstock supply for aquaculture
This project focus is to assess and improve black tiger shrimp fisheries in Vietnam and Indonesia that supply the wild caught broodstock to produce seeds for culture. Currently these fisheries are considered “Overfished” by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), but there is very little actual sustainability assessment information available or direct efforts to help them improve. This project seeks to utilize the ASIC fishery improvement protocol to assess and improve the sustainability of black tiger shrimp fisheries and help shrimp aquaculture producers ensure their industry is more sustainable. Its uniqueness is that its aim is to improve both a fishery and also an aquaculture industry as well.
BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences (BC CAHS) - An examination of the use of kelp perch and pile perch to control sea lice infections in farmed Atlantic salmon in British Columbia
(Renewed funding from round 5)
The project is introducing a crew-based observer program on 30 Sri Lankan longline vessels to respond to the problem of inadequate information and data regarding ETP species discarded from Sri Lanka’s longline tuna fishery. The catch monitoring system currently in place uses paper logbooks to record information about the target and non-target species caught and landed or discarded. This method is not sufficient for the fishery to pass MSC performance indicators, and this will be addressed by training and supporting fishworkers to record retained and discarded species (including ETP species).
Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) - Creating a tool to improve regional shrimp aquaculture water quality management
This project is focused on creating a tool that will enable seafood production industries to improve regional water quality management and protection of the water resource that is essential to all aquaculture production. They will do this by adapting a tool developed for salmon net pen industry planning to the context of pond-based shrimp aquaculture in Asia. The test of a simple, cost effective approach to assessing water quality of shared water bodies for shrimp farming will be piloted in Thailand, with the aim of developing a model that could be applied more broadly.
Asian Seafood Improvement Collaborative (ASIC) - Improving wild caught shrimp broodstock supply for aquaculture
This project focus is to assess and improve black tiger shrimp fisheries in Vietnam and Indonesia that supply the wild caught broodstock to produce seeds for culture. Currently these fisheries are considered “Overfished” by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), but there is very little actual sustainability assessment information available or direct efforts to help them improve. This project seeks to utilize the ASIC fishery improvement protocol to assess and improve the sustainability of black tiger shrimp fisheries and help shrimp aquaculture producers ensure their industry is more sustainable. Its uniqueness is that its aim is to improve both a fishery and also an aquaculture industry as well.
BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences (BC CAHS) - An examination of the use of kelp perch and pile perch to control sea lice infections in farmed Atlantic salmon in British Columbia
(Renewed funding from round 5)
Winter 2016 Round 5 Funding
SafetyNet Technologies - LED Light Trials to Improve Catch Selectivity
The Pisces project is testing experimental trials of light-technology devices to improve catch selectivity for a variety of commercially important species in Europe. This project aims are to 1) improve fishers’ ability to only catch targeted species, 2) reduce the capture of endangered and juvenile species, and 3) improve trawling operational efficiency and profitability.
Responsible Aquaculture Foundation (RAF) - Global Responsible Aquaculture On-line Training
This project is helping build out the RAF Education Program, an effective Internet-based education platform to provide global training in responsible aquaculture across multiple languages. This project aims to improve the state of aquaculture by disseminating training regarding responsible and effective management of aquaculture farms, hatcheries and other facilities in the seafood production chain.
Blue Ocean Gear - Development and Testing of a Smart Crustacean Trap
This project is for the development and testing of a smart crustacean trap to help crab and lobster trap fishermen use innovative technology to bring about more sustainable practices. The aims of the use of this smart trap are to be able to minimize fuel usage, increase catch per unit of effort, and help to quickly locate lost or entangled gear.
BC Center For Aquatic Health Sciences Sea Lice Research - Renewed Funding from Round 4 (formerly under Vancouver Aquarium)
Downeast Institute, Maine Soft Shell Clam Improvement Project - Renewed Funding from Round 2
University of North Texas Probiotics - Extended Funding from Round 3
The Pisces project is testing experimental trials of light-technology devices to improve catch selectivity for a variety of commercially important species in Europe. This project aims are to 1) improve fishers’ ability to only catch targeted species, 2) reduce the capture of endangered and juvenile species, and 3) improve trawling operational efficiency and profitability.
Responsible Aquaculture Foundation (RAF) - Global Responsible Aquaculture On-line Training
This project is helping build out the RAF Education Program, an effective Internet-based education platform to provide global training in responsible aquaculture across multiple languages. This project aims to improve the state of aquaculture by disseminating training regarding responsible and effective management of aquaculture farms, hatcheries and other facilities in the seafood production chain.
Blue Ocean Gear - Development and Testing of a Smart Crustacean Trap
This project is for the development and testing of a smart crustacean trap to help crab and lobster trap fishermen use innovative technology to bring about more sustainable practices. The aims of the use of this smart trap are to be able to minimize fuel usage, increase catch per unit of effort, and help to quickly locate lost or entangled gear.
BC Center For Aquatic Health Sciences Sea Lice Research - Renewed Funding from Round 4 (formerly under Vancouver Aquarium)
Downeast Institute, Maine Soft Shell Clam Improvement Project - Renewed Funding from Round 2
University of North Texas Probiotics - Extended Funding from Round 3
Fall 2015 Round 4 Funding
Photo Credits:
Watershed Watch & Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver Aquarium - An examination of the use of kelp perch and pile perch to control sea lice infections in farmed Atlantic salmon in British Columbia.
Sea lice infections of farmed Atlantic salmon are a major issue for the aquaculture industry. Current approaches to controlling sea lice infection rely heavily on chemical treatments. Wrasse and lumpfish are being used in Norway to delouse farmed Atlantic salmon, with significant reductions in sea lice infections and less reliance upon chemicals. These fish species are not native to British Columbia’s waters, however, and reports in the literature and results from a preliminary study performed at the Vancouver Aquarium indicate that kelp and pile perch have potential to be used as biological controls for sea lice in BC farmed Atlantic Salmon. The proposed research will determine the effectiveness of these perch in delousing infected salmon. Results from this project will subsequently be applied to the design and development of field trials, whereby perch will be placed in net pens with farmed Atlantic salmon to further examine the use of perch as a native biological controls for sea lice in BC, helping to develop an environmentally-friendly, sustainable alternative to chemical control of sea lice, and reduce the potential impacts of net pen farmed salmon on wild stocks.
Sea lice infections of farmed Atlantic salmon are a major issue for the aquaculture industry. Current approaches to controlling sea lice infection rely heavily on chemical treatments. Wrasse and lumpfish are being used in Norway to delouse farmed Atlantic salmon, with significant reductions in sea lice infections and less reliance upon chemicals. These fish species are not native to British Columbia’s waters, however, and reports in the literature and results from a preliminary study performed at the Vancouver Aquarium indicate that kelp and pile perch have potential to be used as biological controls for sea lice in BC farmed Atlantic Salmon. The proposed research will determine the effectiveness of these perch in delousing infected salmon. Results from this project will subsequently be applied to the design and development of field trials, whereby perch will be placed in net pens with farmed Atlantic salmon to further examine the use of perch as a native biological controls for sea lice in BC, helping to develop an environmentally-friendly, sustainable alternative to chemical control of sea lice, and reduce the potential impacts of net pen farmed salmon on wild stocks.
UNT Probiotics Renewed Funding from Round 3
Maine Soft Shell Clam AIP Renewed Funding from Round 2
Fall 2014 Round 3 Funding
WWF Chilean Farmed Salmon AIP
Sea Pact is supporting WWF-Chile’s farmed salmon “AIP2ASC” project, which is developing pre-assessments, gap analyses and workplans to credibly transition salmon production towards meeting the ASC standard for sites involved. As demand for ASC certified salmon grows, salmon producing companies across the region are searching for ways to move their production towards compliance with the ASC standard. Tools developed throughout these comprehensive processes will then be available to other farms interested in transitioning toward ASC, including those of companies that are a part of the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI), a leadership initiative made up of salmon producers who are seeking to provide a global and sustainable supply of farmed salmon, while minimizing their environmental footprint and keeping social issues in mind.
Sea Pact is supporting WWF-Chile’s farmed salmon “AIP2ASC” project, which is developing pre-assessments, gap analyses and workplans to credibly transition salmon production towards meeting the ASC standard for sites involved. As demand for ASC certified salmon grows, salmon producing companies across the region are searching for ways to move their production towards compliance with the ASC standard. Tools developed throughout these comprehensive processes will then be available to other farms interested in transitioning toward ASC, including those of companies that are a part of the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI), a leadership initiative made up of salmon producers who are seeking to provide a global and sustainable supply of farmed salmon, while minimizing their environmental footprint and keeping social issues in mind.
UNT Probiotics
UNT's Marine Conservation and Aquatic Physiology Laboratory (MCAPL) is conducting research to compare the effectiveness of probiotics (live microorganisms that benefit their host) to antibiotics, in order to increase growth rates and reduce mortality in commercially important marine fish. Trials are presently being conducted for yellowtail amberjack and red drum, but the findings, and the methods developed will certainly be applicable to other species of marine finfish important to aquaculture. Current mortality rates in some marine fish species can be as high as 90% at the early stages, and use of antibiotics to reduce mortality can lead to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and public health concerns.
UNT's Marine Conservation and Aquatic Physiology Laboratory (MCAPL) is conducting research to compare the effectiveness of probiotics (live microorganisms that benefit their host) to antibiotics, in order to increase growth rates and reduce mortality in commercially important marine fish. Trials are presently being conducted for yellowtail amberjack and red drum, but the findings, and the methods developed will certainly be applicable to other species of marine finfish important to aquaculture. Current mortality rates in some marine fish species can be as high as 90% at the early stages, and use of antibiotics to reduce mortality can lead to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and public health concerns.
Winter 2014 Round 2 Funding
Maine Soft Shell Clam FIP
The Maine soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria) fishery was worth $16 million in dockside revenues in 2013, making clamming the third most valuable commercially harvested species in the state. Nearly 100% of the harvest originates in the intertidal zone, where clammers use short-handled, tined forks or hoes to excavate clams from 10-15 inches deep from muddy or sandy sediments. Most of the 2013 landings from Maine represent a subsidy from the upper intertidal, where, historically, clammers rarely dig because clams there are generally small, slow-growing, and contain less meat than clams found lower along the tidal gradient. The reason for the subsidy is that commercial clam populations cannot be found below the upper intertidal due to an explosion of the invasive crustacean, the green crab, Carcinus maenas. Although green crabs have been residents of the Maine coast for nearly 115 years, their population densities seem to correlate directly with seawater temperatures. During the past three years, seawater temperatures along the Maine coast have risen dramatically, and as this has happened so, too, have green crab populations, especially in the southern one-third of the coast.
The presence of green crabs at high levels is complicating traditional clam management schemes that towns rely on to maintain commercial clam populations. Downeast Institute will work with clammers in the town of Freeport to conduct large-scale, manipulative experiments to test hypotheses involving predator exclusion and habitat modification designed to enhance locally the number of both wild and cultured “spat” (juvenile clams). This fishery management, fisheries improvement, and aquaculture improvement project is designed to create a new mindset amongst clammers and local clam stewardship committees to think and see beyond traditional approaches to conserve the resource.
The Maine soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria) fishery was worth $16 million in dockside revenues in 2013, making clamming the third most valuable commercially harvested species in the state. Nearly 100% of the harvest originates in the intertidal zone, where clammers use short-handled, tined forks or hoes to excavate clams from 10-15 inches deep from muddy or sandy sediments. Most of the 2013 landings from Maine represent a subsidy from the upper intertidal, where, historically, clammers rarely dig because clams there are generally small, slow-growing, and contain less meat than clams found lower along the tidal gradient. The reason for the subsidy is that commercial clam populations cannot be found below the upper intertidal due to an explosion of the invasive crustacean, the green crab, Carcinus maenas. Although green crabs have been residents of the Maine coast for nearly 115 years, their population densities seem to correlate directly with seawater temperatures. During the past three years, seawater temperatures along the Maine coast have risen dramatically, and as this has happened so, too, have green crab populations, especially in the southern one-third of the coast.
The presence of green crabs at high levels is complicating traditional clam management schemes that towns rely on to maintain commercial clam populations. Downeast Institute will work with clammers in the town of Freeport to conduct large-scale, manipulative experiments to test hypotheses involving predator exclusion and habitat modification designed to enhance locally the number of both wild and cultured “spat” (juvenile clams). This fishery management, fisheries improvement, and aquaculture improvement project is designed to create a new mindset amongst clammers and local clam stewardship committees to think and see beyond traditional approaches to conserve the resource.
Brazilian Lobster FIP
The Red Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) and Green Spiny Lobster (Panulirus laevicauda) represent the most important fishing resource of northern and northeastern Brazil. This fishery exports mainly to the US market, with an average value of 60 million USD per year, and can provide for the livelihood of more than 15,000 fishermen. The core of the Brazilian lobster Fisheries Improvement Project takes place in Ceara (Northeast Region), where this fishery developed in the 1950s, and where most of the exporters have their processing plants.
The general long term purpose of this project is to achieve an MSC certification. An MSC pre-assessment was conducted and revealed problems in 19/31 indicators, the most crucial being the extended use of illegal fishing gear instead of the only permitted gear (traps).
As a solution, CeDePesca, with the help of the global certifications company Bureau Veritas, is building a traceability system in conjunction with 11 fishing communities. Support from Sea Pact will by getting trap fishermen solidly organized and working together to create a legal, verified, branded product. Ultimately, CeDePesca would like to create market distinction for lobsters from this FIP, therefore creating an incentive to other fishermen to participate. This could be the beginning of a process to recover the health of the stock, thus ensuring long term revenues for thousands of fishermen and their families.
The Red Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) and Green Spiny Lobster (Panulirus laevicauda) represent the most important fishing resource of northern and northeastern Brazil. This fishery exports mainly to the US market, with an average value of 60 million USD per year, and can provide for the livelihood of more than 15,000 fishermen. The core of the Brazilian lobster Fisheries Improvement Project takes place in Ceara (Northeast Region), where this fishery developed in the 1950s, and where most of the exporters have their processing plants.
The general long term purpose of this project is to achieve an MSC certification. An MSC pre-assessment was conducted and revealed problems in 19/31 indicators, the most crucial being the extended use of illegal fishing gear instead of the only permitted gear (traps).
As a solution, CeDePesca, with the help of the global certifications company Bureau Veritas, is building a traceability system in conjunction with 11 fishing communities. Support from Sea Pact will by getting trap fishermen solidly organized and working together to create a legal, verified, branded product. Ultimately, CeDePesca would like to create market distinction for lobsters from this FIP, therefore creating an incentive to other fishermen to participate. This could be the beginning of a process to recover the health of the stock, thus ensuring long term revenues for thousands of fishermen and their families.
Fall 2013 Round 1 Funding
Sea Delight Mexican Grouper FIP
The Mexican grouper fishery is characterized by two types of fleets: mechanical longline and hand longline. These two fleets are often referred to as the “major” fleet, represented by larger offshore vessels, and the “minor or artisanal” fleet, characterized by small hand longline vessels called “lanchas.” These fisheries are located on the Campeche Bank, off the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula (main ports: Progreso, Celestun, Sisal, Rio Lagartos, San Felipe and El Cuyo). The Sea Delight Mexican Grouper FIP is facilitating an MSC pre-assessment and reporting on the current status of the fishery, organizing a workshop using the Environmental Risk Assessment for the Effects of Fishing (ERAEF) to discuss environmental impacts of the fishery; and coordinating a local workshop with fishermen to discuss the pre-assessment results, as well as developing an improvement plan. Projected outcomes of the FIP include stabilizing the Mexican Grouper fishery, maintaining livelihoods for fishermen and fish workers, and creating a better market niche. We believe this project will pave the way to working with other industry leaders that may have similar projects in Mexico and who may be open in the future to unite efforts, so that the FIP can become a regional program with industry leadership.
The Mexican grouper fishery is characterized by two types of fleets: mechanical longline and hand longline. These two fleets are often referred to as the “major” fleet, represented by larger offshore vessels, and the “minor or artisanal” fleet, characterized by small hand longline vessels called “lanchas.” These fisheries are located on the Campeche Bank, off the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula (main ports: Progreso, Celestun, Sisal, Rio Lagartos, San Felipe and El Cuyo). The Sea Delight Mexican Grouper FIP is facilitating an MSC pre-assessment and reporting on the current status of the fishery, organizing a workshop using the Environmental Risk Assessment for the Effects of Fishing (ERAEF) to discuss environmental impacts of the fishery; and coordinating a local workshop with fishermen to discuss the pre-assessment results, as well as developing an improvement plan. Projected outcomes of the FIP include stabilizing the Mexican Grouper fishery, maintaining livelihoods for fishermen and fish workers, and creating a better market niche. We believe this project will pave the way to working with other industry leaders that may have similar projects in Mexico and who may be open in the future to unite efforts, so that the FIP can become a regional program with industry leadership.
Fathom Consulting Pelagic Trawl Gear Improvement
Trawling has historically been the most common fishing method employed in U.S. groundfish fisheries. Unfortunately, there are some serious environmental drawbacks to trawling: bycatch and habitat damage. Fathom Consulting is helping trawl fishermen strategize ways to minimize bycatch and damage to sensitive bottom habitat. Working with a trawler out of Monterey, Fathom Consulting is conducting trials with modified trawl gear that significantly reduces the points of contact of traditional trawl gear through the use of pelagic trawl doors, elevated sweeps, spaced discs and electronic sensors. Preliminary results are encouraging – the trawl doors and net size enable escape of non-targeted species, and the elevated sweeps and sensors prevent contact with the sea floor. The new gear also has significantly less drag than traditional trawl nets, meaning shorter fishing times and reduced fuel usage - ultimately leading to a fresher and more environmentally responsible product. Sea Pact is optimistic that support of this project will serve as a model for more environmentally responsible trawl gear worldwide.
Trawling has historically been the most common fishing method employed in U.S. groundfish fisheries. Unfortunately, there are some serious environmental drawbacks to trawling: bycatch and habitat damage. Fathom Consulting is helping trawl fishermen strategize ways to minimize bycatch and damage to sensitive bottom habitat. Working with a trawler out of Monterey, Fathom Consulting is conducting trials with modified trawl gear that significantly reduces the points of contact of traditional trawl gear through the use of pelagic trawl doors, elevated sweeps, spaced discs and electronic sensors. Preliminary results are encouraging – the trawl doors and net size enable escape of non-targeted species, and the elevated sweeps and sensors prevent contact with the sea floor. The new gear also has significantly less drag than traditional trawl nets, meaning shorter fishing times and reduced fuel usage - ultimately leading to a fresher and more environmentally responsible product. Sea Pact is optimistic that support of this project will serve as a model for more environmentally responsible trawl gear worldwide.
CeDePesca Mahi Mahi FIP
The mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) is a highly migratory pelagic species, living mainly in tropical and subtropical areas of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. Aware of the importance of obtaining a sustainability certification to continue supplying the USA market, exporters and fishermen of mahi-mahi in Panama are working together with NGO CeDePesca (Center for Development and Sustainable Fisheries) in a Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP). With the main goal of building an improved, ecosystem-based fishery management plan, the Panama Mahi FIP will provide a fishery monitoring plan, provide training to fishermen and observers, and maintain an ongoing monitoring program. Information gathered through this process will inform future management and will ultimately result in a more secure and reliable income for the roughly 300 fishermen and their families that rely on this Mahi fishery for their livelihoods. Sea Pact’s grant to this project will help to provide a long-term sustainable supply of Mahi to the U.S. marketplace.
The mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) is a highly migratory pelagic species, living mainly in tropical and subtropical areas of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. Aware of the importance of obtaining a sustainability certification to continue supplying the USA market, exporters and fishermen of mahi-mahi in Panama are working together with NGO CeDePesca (Center for Development and Sustainable Fisheries) in a Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP). With the main goal of building an improved, ecosystem-based fishery management plan, the Panama Mahi FIP will provide a fishery monitoring plan, provide training to fishermen and observers, and maintain an ongoing monitoring program. Information gathered through this process will inform future management and will ultimately result in a more secure and reliable income for the roughly 300 fishermen and their families that rely on this Mahi fishery for their livelihoods. Sea Pact’s grant to this project will help to provide a long-term sustainable supply of Mahi to the U.S. marketplace.
NFI Crab Council - Blue Swimming Crab Enhancement
The NFI Crab Council is working on an enhancement program for Blue Swimming Crabs in the Philippines – Sea Pact funds are currently being used to train Asian scientists and technicians in the use of tagging methods to track the success of releasing hatchery-produced juvenile crabs during workshops in 2014.
Releasing hatchery-reared crabs into the sea in order to augment natural populations is a very popular idea with the fishermen and crab processors. NFI Crab Council funds are currently being used to support hatcheries in the Philippines and in Indonesia. However, it is critical to the future of these programs to determine if these efforts are economically viable. The U.S. scientists have wide experience with hatchery-based enhancement and have used coded micro-wire tags inserted into juvenile crabs to track the success of releases in Chesapeake Bay. Following the Philippine workshop, these scientists will demonstrate the use of this tracking method using juvenile crabs from the local hatchery. This will give the Council’s Asian partners an important tool for measuring the success of their hatchery-based enhancement efforts.
The NFI Crab Council is working on an enhancement program for Blue Swimming Crabs in the Philippines – Sea Pact funds are currently being used to train Asian scientists and technicians in the use of tagging methods to track the success of releasing hatchery-produced juvenile crabs during workshops in 2014.
Releasing hatchery-reared crabs into the sea in order to augment natural populations is a very popular idea with the fishermen and crab processors. NFI Crab Council funds are currently being used to support hatcheries in the Philippines and in Indonesia. However, it is critical to the future of these programs to determine if these efforts are economically viable. The U.S. scientists have wide experience with hatchery-based enhancement and have used coded micro-wire tags inserted into juvenile crabs to track the success of releases in Chesapeake Bay. Following the Philippine workshop, these scientists will demonstrate the use of this tracking method using juvenile crabs from the local hatchery. This will give the Council’s Asian partners an important tool for measuring the success of their hatchery-based enhancement efforts.
