« November 2008 Table of Contents 
Point of View: Mary Smith
Director of marketing, The Plitt Co., Chicago
November 01, 2008
More companies that buy and sell seafood need to get
involved in the debate over how to reshape the policies and
regulations used to manage fisheries.
Much of the discussion about sustainability focuses on the
need for seafood companies to reform their business practices.
And that is important - but it is not enough to advance the
sustainable seafood movement by itself.
There are big changes happening in fisheries management at
local, regional and federal levels, from management of specific
species to larger issues that affect the entire nation's waters
and the people whose livelihoods depend on them.
As seafood companies, we have a huge stake in these
policies and their success in maintaining a consistently
reliable seafood supply. We need to take part in shaping
these changes.
All it takes is a little time and effort to have an
impact. Companies can work for improved fisheries by
sending letters, making phone calls, participating in public
comment periods, partnering with conservation groups and
working directly with fishermen. Our involvement is crucial to
shape the policies that will help preserve the future of
American seafood.