New State Task Force Will Spotlight Ways To Market Local Seafood

EAST HAMPTON, NY — New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo greenlighted efforts of lawmakers who are looking to market and promote locally caught seafood — a vital thread in the East End's economic tapestry.

Legislation co-sponsored by New State Assemblyman Fred Thiele and New York State Senator Ken LaValle was signed by Cuomo recently; the new legislation creates a New York State Seafood Marketing Task Force.

In addition, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Marine Program previously received a $65,000 state grant to "help promote locally caught seafood as a viable alternative to fish imported from other countries, which now composes more than 90 percent of U.S. seafood consumption," a release from Thiele's office said.

The task force will be directed by the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Economic Development, and the State Department of State, officials said.

The task force will work on a number of key issues, including ways to increase resources to support New York's local fishermen, aquaculturists and related small businesses to help boost the local economy and foster the continued growth of the seafood industry and the creation of more locally produced sustainable food systems in New York.

Members will also work on ways to promote the marketing and sustainability of New York seafood, such as identifying barriers that prevent or inhibit local seafood marketing initiatives and growth; finding ways to amp up consumer demand for local seafood; establishing agreements with local fishermen and seafood dealers for potential seafood marketplace expansion; and working with federal and state entities to prevent seafood mislabeling and to keep illegally caught fish out of New York's seafood markets, while also providing more information to consumers about their seafood purchases.

Studies of best seafood marketing practices from other areas will also be examined, and the task force will work to find ways to educate the public about New York's seafood industry and seafood issues and initiatives.

Stakeholders will also include representatives of the Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, New York Sea Grant Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension, a trade organization for seafood issues, dealers, wholesalers or processors who purchase and sell finfish, shellfish, and/or crustaceans; aquaculturists, a New York-based retailer of seafood products associated with a restaurant or restaurant organization, a New York-based retailer of seafood products associated with an independent or franchised store, a commercial fisherman licensed to harvest and/or land in New York, a member of an independent organization or association representing the New York hospitality industry, and an economist with expertise in seafood marketing, the release said.

In the coming months, the task force will host a series of roundtable meetings.

At least one roundtable meeting will be held in each of the regions of the state with a relevant seafood industry stakeholder, including Long Island, Thiele said.

Ultimately, the task force will give a written report of their findings and recommendations to the governor by September 30, 2019.

“The fishing and seafood industry is a critical part of Long Island’s and New York State’s economy. It is imperative that these industries be competitive and sustainable," Thiele said.

Recently, he added, LaValle and he have worked to promote these goals, bringing the commissioner of environmental conservation to Long Island to meet with fishermen and explore issues roadblocking viable commercial fishing endeavors, such as inequitable federal quotas and the existing restrictive state licensing requirements.

"Also important is growing New York State’s market share of the increasing demand for seafood. Whether it is the commercial fisherman, aquaculturists, seafood wholesalers or processors, restaurants, or seafood stores, the future of these small businesses is critical to the heritage and the future of Long Island," Thiele said. "This task dorce will assure that New York State aggressively pursues policies to insure that they thrive.”

Added LaValle, “The fishing industry is a significant part of the fabric of the East End. It is essential that we provided the proper assistance and tools to enable this community to thrive."

Patch photo by Lisa Finn.