Bi-Coastal Organizations Uniting in Support of Accountable Fisheries

from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans

Washington, DC – The Seafood Harvesters of America is expanding its coalition to an even broader diversity of America's commercial fishermen with the addition of two new members: the Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association and the Midwater Trawlers Cooperative. The addition brings new strength to the rapidly growing organization that has already helped achieve important successes such as bipartisan Congressional approval of a three year moratorium extension that will protect commercial fishing vessels from new regulations on incidental discharge that are widely regarded as cumbersome and unnecessary.

"These organizations demonstrate a dedication to the broader fishing community as well as the resources upon which they depend," said Chris Brown, Chairman of the Seafood Harvesters of America. "The addition of these powerhouse associations reflects the important mission we have as a voice for commercial fishermen in our nation's capital, as well as the results we have delivered since our founding last year. With an even broader coalition, the Harvesters will continue to ensure commercial fishermen can provide delicious and sustainable seafood to millions of American families."

Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association – http://lobstermen.com/

The Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association is a member organization that accepts and supports the interdependence of species conservation and the collective economic interests of its 1,700 members. The Association's Executive Director, Beth Casoni, made the following statement:

"The Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association (Association) is extremely excited about joining the Seafood Harvesters of America. The Association has been following the many successes of the Harvesters and looks forward to joining the leadership to help keep commercial fisherman here in Massachusetts and across the nation fishing for years to come."

Midwater Trawlers Cooperative

The Midwater Trawlers Cooperative is a non-profit industry trade association with members along the West Coast and throughout the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. Executive Director Heather Mann said the following:

"The Harvesters has an excellent track record and is a proven advocate for commercial fishermen across the country. The Midwater Trawlers Cooperative looks forward to working with the Harvesters to promote accountable, thriving commercial fisheries along the Pacific Coast and nationwide far into the future."

Seafood Harvesters of America ("The Harvesters") is an umbrella association representing 16 commercial fishing organizations from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico north to New England. For more information, please visit seafoodharvesters.org.




CONTACT: Seafood Harvesters of America (314) 276-1062