"Fishing For The Future" Summit

"FISHING FOR THE FUTURE" SUMMIT MEETS
TO DISCUSS SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL OVERFISHING CRISIS

Experts Conclude Sustainable Aquaculture Can Help Preserve Oceanic Ecosystem While Meeting Consumer Demand for a Safe, Nutritious Protein Source

Atlanta, GA, USA — September 14, 2006 — The world’s oceans and their inhabitants are at grave risk, according to experts who participated today in a panel discussion on “Investigating Sustainable Aquaculture: Preserving Marine Biodiversity,” held at the Georgia Aquarium and sponsored by The Catfish Institute.

The group echoed the findings of the final report of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, which warned that our failure to properly manage the vast resources of the oceans is “compromising their ecological integrity, diminishing our ability to fully realize their potential, costing us jobs and revenue, threatening human health and putting our future at risk.”

Just last week, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations released a report revealing that over 75% of the world’s fish species are fully exploited, overexploited or depleted. However, aquaculture — or fish-farming — represents an important solution for their future preservation, by providing a safe, nutritious, low-cost alternative source of high-quality protein that also pleases the consumer’s palate.

Award-winning food and nutrition journalist and former CNN reporter Carolyn O’Neil, M.S., R.D. moderated the panel, which included:

• Jimmy Avery, Ph.D., Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension Aquaculture Leader, Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, Stoneville, MS

• George Leonard, Ph.D., Science Manager, Seafood Watch Program, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA

• Scott Peacock, cookbook author, executive chef, Watershed restaurant, Decatur, GA

“Nearly six years ago, CNN reported that 82 species and subspecies of fish, including many that swim in the waters off North America, may face the threat of future extinction. The new FAO report increases that number to more than 450,” said panel moderator Carolyn O’Neil, M.S., R.D. “In most cases, humans are the main source of that threat.”

The sustainability solution

Overfishing represents one of primary factors in the failing health of our oceans, according to Dr. Leonard. “With nearly 75% of the world’s fisheries either fully fished or overfished, the issue of environmentally friendly seafood is critically important,” he said.

The Seafood Watch Program (http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/seafoodwatch.asp) is designed to raise consumer awareness about the importance of sustainable seafood by recommending which seafood to buy or avoid. Sustainable seafood is from sources, either fished or farmed, that can maintain or increase production into the long-term without jeopardizing the affected ecosystems.

“Some of the key problems that help us evaluate whether a fishery is sustainable include the level of by-catch observed, the fishing methods and their impact; if it is farmed, how it is farmed, and how well the fishery or aquaculture operation is managed,” Leonard said.

Seafood Watch lists U.S. Farm Raised Catfish as a “Best Choice.” The number one farm-raised finfish in America, more catfish is produced in the United States on a yearly basis than all other farmed fish combined.

Protecting the environment and wild fish

Raised in environmentally controlled, freshwater ponds protected by man-made levees, aquacultured American catfish have minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem and offer no threat to other, wild species, according to Dr. Avery. “U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish can serve as a sound seafood alternative to overexploited wild fish stocks,” he said.

Fed high-protein, floating food pellets made of corn and soy, U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is virtually free of harmful contaminants, such as mercury, a common environmental pollutant found in lakes, rivers and oceans. Moreover, every serving of all-American farmed catfish is protein-rich, low in saturated fat and contains a moderate level of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids along with other important nutrients.

Stringent quality control ensures a premium, high quality product. Before harvesting, U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is inspected by the U.S. Department of Commerce at the processing plant, confirming it has met the highest standards of production.

The palate-pleasing, eco-friendly choice

“The choices we make as consumers drive the seafood market place,” said Peacock, the former chef to two Georgia governors and currently chef of Watershed restaurant near Atlanta. “Together, we can make a difference by supporting the fisheries and fish farms that are better for the environment.”

A Southern food expert who emphasizes fresh, seasonal, regionally grown ingredients of the highest integrity, prepared with the barest of embellishment, Peacock’s signature recipe features American catfish, crispy-fried, with tomato-field peas and garlic mayonnaise.

He chooses U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish for its mild, slightly sweet flavor, delicate texture and consistently high quality. “It’s tremendously versatile and easy to prepare… equally delicious grilled, baked and sautéed and never has a ‘fishy’ smell,” he said.

About The Catfish Institute

The Catfish Institute (TCI) was founded by a group of Mississippi catfish farmers and feed manufacturers in 1986 to promote “Genuine U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish.” TCI’s membership expanded in 1993 to include U.S. feed mills in other commercial catfish-producing states, including Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana and, later, North Carolina. Today, the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish industry employs more than 13,000 Americans in the South, creating a $4+ billion positive economic impact to the region.

1. An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century:
    Final Report of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy.

2. FAO, The State of World Aquaculture 2006.

3. CNN, Study warns pollution, overfishing threaten once rich stocks
under the sea, November 13, 2000.