The first recipients of the Seafood Industry Climate Awards (SICA) have been announced, each winning a US$40,000 award to help lower the industry’s carbon footprint and/or promote underrepresented groups in the sector.
This is the first cycle of the awards scheme, run by non-profit organisation, Acme Smoked Fish Foundation together with sponsor, TD Bank. Along with the grant, winners Mi’kmaq Nation in Maine, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, and Luke’s Seafood will also have the opportunity to work with leaders at Acme Smoked Fish Corp.
“We are inspired by our first-ever SICA Award Recipients and proud to support their vision and actions to address climate change and diversity in the US seafood industry,” said Rob Snyder, culture and sustainability officer at Acme Smoked Fish.
“We look forward to seeing this critical work through and providing resources along the way. As our industry continues to evolve, we believe that innovations like these will pave the way for a cleaner future.”
Mi’kmaq Farms and Fish Hatchery, run by the tribal Mi’kmaq Nation, currently raises 12,000 pounds (5,443 kg) of trout each year, using recirculating aquaculture system technology. The funding award will enable the hatchery to develop renewable solar power to drive its RAS system, helping mitigate disruptions to supply brought on by climate change and other events.
The Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association is launching a pilot to convert the Alaska fleet to hybrid diesel/electric. The SICA award will enable the purchase of critical equipment.
Luke’s Seafood is running a ‘Lift All Boats’ initiative to encourage BIPOC students, mostly immigrants, into the commercial fishing industry in Maine. The programme has just completed its first year and is looking to expand. The SICA award will help fund the cost of instructors as they teach students the ins and outs of sustainable lobster fishing.
