Gorton's Inc. has retained the New England Aquarium to conduct an assessment of the sources of its seafood products to determine whether the species used in Gorton's products are sustainable within today's marine environment.
The study, which began in January, is expected to take three to four months to complete, according to Lydia Bergen, associate director for the Aquarium's Sustainable Fisheries Program.
"Seafood is growing because it is an important part of a healthy diet," said Dave Webber, vice president of Environmental Affairs at Gorton's Inc. "Gorton's recognizes that for future generations to enjoy the benefits of eating seafood, our products must be caught in an environmentally sustainable manner. Our new relationship with the New England Aquarium will enhance our long-standing effort to better protect and manage the world's marine resources."
The New England Aquarium conducted a similar assessment in 2000 for Ahold USA, the parent company of Stop & Shop, according to Bergen. Gorton's is a subsidiary of Japan-based Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd., known as Nissui.
One of the main goals of the assessment is to evaluate the sustainability of the species that are used in Gorton's products, including pollock, salmon, tilapia, shrimp, haddock, sole and cod from both wild caught and farm-raised sources.
For wild caught species, scientists will assess stock health, fishery management concerns, types of fishing gear used and what other species are unintentionally caught.
Stock health refers to the health of the fish population that Gorton's uses in its seafood products. In the study, scientists will determine if or how the population can properly sustain itself.
Scientists will also look into fishery management concerns relating to how well the population is managed, the consequences of human interaction and if catch levels — how many fish are caught — are being properly set.
Another focus of the study will be the effects that different types of fishing gear have on bycatch levels. In commercial fishing, bycatch refers to incidentally caught and discarded species.
"A major concern is whether they are catching endangered species," Bergen said.
Also during the study, the Aquarium's marine conservation consulting group will identify potential environmental areas of risk as well as opportunities for improvement among Gorton's product sources.
When the study is complete, the results will determine what actions need to take place, from changing fishing gear to the actual practice of catching fish.
If needed, additional studies will take place.
"What we learn could lead to additional work down the road," Webber said.
Bergen strongly believes in the importance of the assessment and Gorton's long-term outlook.
"Large wholesale buyers of seafood like Gorton's have a tremendous ability to affect positive environmental change in how our seafood is harvested and raised. It is in our best interest to ensure that we better care for the oceans, an increasing important food source worldwide," Bergen said.
Dan Dourian can be reached at gtreporter@gloucestertimes.com.
