Corporate Philosophy of Fisheries Sustainability

In recent months there have been an increased number of articles in trade magazines, newspapers, and internet postings regarding the long term sustainability of various seafood products. These articles often contain product listings indicating best, worst and OK choices. Unfortunately many of these different articles are conflicting with each other, and usually do not take the time or space to explain that fishing quotas are based on sustainable biomasses and/or that certain species may be under pressure in one region of the world yet abundant in another.

Bristol Seafood has long held the philosophy that not only does the seafood industry need to proactively manage its renewable (sustainable) resources but Bristol as a leading Maine seafood company should adopt a corporate strategy that actively promotes this. The company in 2004 adopted this philosophy as part of its Mission Statement and Beliefs. Specifically:

"Bristol is committed to being a good community citizen by providing annual funding to aid in education and research directed at the seafood industry"

The company currently is the leading contributor in the industry to the Gulf of Maine Research Lab that promotes scientific study of the ocean and its resources. In addition the company funds local educational programs directed at ocean or marine studies.

As a major processor in New England, Bristol works hard to obtain supply from strong viable fisheries for two key reasons. The first is to ensure the company can purchase product at competitive pricing and ensure the long term viability of the enterprise. The second is to ensure that the product is being harvested from a sustainable fishery that will continue to provide Bristol and its customers with products into the future.  As a result Bristol actively buys product on a global basis. These products include farm raised scallops, hook and line frozen at sea ground fish, and products from fisheries that are being proactively managed to ensure the long term viability/sustainability of products.