Seafood Expo North America: Boston Convention Center March 11–13, 2018

Please join Dr. Jon Bell, Director of NOAA’s National Seafood Inspection Lab, and his staff for a demonstration of a new seafood-fraud detection methodology. This is a rapid, cost-effective screening method to identify commonly substituted fresh and frozen finfish species sold in the U.S. seafood market place. The presentation will focus on advantages, limitations, and next steps in the development and use of this screening method. The goal of the session is to collect industry feedback on its application and usability that will help guide the agency in making this product broadly available. Demonstrations will be at the booth (#181) both Sunday and Monday.

NOAA Fisheries and its partners throughout the aquaculture community have made significant progress in fostering sustainable aquaculture, and these efforts have helped spark recent growth in U.S. marine aquaculture production and are helping shape public perception. With the administration’s interest in reducing dependency on imported seafood for consumption and ensuring a safe, secure and sustainable seafood supply, U.S. aquaculture is building momentum. Please join NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Aquaculture and external partners for updates on developments in science, policy, collaborations and public education that support domestic expansion of U.S. marine aquaculture.

For the last 40 years, the United States has invested heavily in its wild-capture fisheries, establishing a solid reputation as a global leader in sustainable fisheries management and marine stewardship. Fostering a safe, secure and sustainable seafood industry reaches beyond a single program and requires a diverse portfolio of expertise, activities and collaboration. Join the new Assistant Administrator of NOAA Fisheries, Chris Oliver, and his leadership team for an overview of the Administration’s priorities related to seafood and the goal of expanding U.S. seafood production. From leveling the playing field and building seafood trade support services, addressing fraud and combating IUU fishing, to developing a robust aquaculture industry and jobs—Chris Oliver will discuss updates followed by an open discussion and Q&A. 

Seafood trade is a multi-billion dollar business that continues to grow as demand for healthy and sustainable protein increases worldwide. Access to international markets by U.S. exporters is critical to our domestic seafood industry, and NOAA’s trade team and Seafood Inspection Program works to ensure global confidence in U.S. exports. Join NOAA Fisheries' seafood inspection and trade staff for an overview and discussion of emerging issues in seafood exports, and what the federal government and industry can do to protect and expand access to international markets.

Following ratification of the Port States Measures Act in June 2016, NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement began work on conducting enforcement-capacity building workshops and training to increase the effectiveness of fisheries enforcement by partner nations around the world. Join representatives from NOAA’s enforcement staff along with other partners to discuss how these increased enforcement capabilities help U.S. fisheries and seafood industries, why it matters to the U.S. consumer, and what is anticipated for these efforts moving forward.

NOAA Fisheries is seeking on-the-record public input on its proposed rule to establish a voluntary Commerce Trusted Trader Program (CTTP) for U.S. seafood importers –a valuable complement to the U.S. Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP). SIMP provides the federal government the information needed to prevent illegally caught and/or misrepresented seafood from entering the U.S. market. The CTTP as proposed, is designed to maintain the effectiveness of SIMP while also streamlining the reporting and recordkeeping requirements for U.S. importers who commit to establishing internal traceability and auditing measures.