A new environmental assessment of offshore wind power projects issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management could lead to stricter conditions for developers seeking to build new facilities off the Northeast coast.

The first offshore wind project in federal waters is set to begin in 2023. Those in the fishing industry and related businesses have the tremendous opportunity to give our input regarding our concerns.

Click Here to Sign the Offshore Wind Petition

As featured in Politico:

• BOEM’s new supplement to the draft environmental assessment for the Vineyard Wind facility, planned off the coast of Massachusetts, found the project posed potentially “major” adverse impacts to sea life and other industries, particularly commercial fishing.
• The document is an update to the draft Environmental Impact Statement for Vineyard that BOEM issued in 2018. Last year, the agency announced it would extend the permitting process for the 800 MW facility so it could assess the impacts not just of that wind farm, but others planned by Northeastern states to meet clean energy targets.
• BOEM will take comments on the document for 45 days from the document’s publication in the Federal Register — something that the agency says will happen in the “near future.” But already analysts say the critical findings of the new report signal Vineyard and other projectswill face more rigorous scrutiny than envisioned in the original EIS.

Read more on the proposed draft at Politico.

“It is important that BOEM hear from members of the fishing industry and related businesses about your concerns about offshore wind as it considers approving the first wind project in federal waters.“

We, the undersigned, earn our livelihoods from the seafood industry. We are essential workers and an integral part of the nation’s food security, not just during a pandemic. Fishing has been the backbone of working waterfronts and coastal communities for generations, supporting not just the families of harvesters, but also those of dealers, processors, marine suppliers, service providers, grocers, restaurants, the tourism industry, and other sectors by providing healthy and sustainable seafood to the nation. Click Here to Sign the Offshore Wind Petition

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Contact Us for More Information

LUND’S FISHERIES INCORPORATED

Lund’s Fisheries Coronavirus Disease(COVID-19) Update

To our Customers and Employee’s

Lund’s Fisheries wishes you, your family and employees good health in this challenging time of global pandemic. Since 1954, through wars, storms and health events, Lund’s has been your direct-from-the-source USA-based seafood supplier.

Lund’s continues to work with the support of its valued employees to help keep the seafood supply chain intact and without interruption.  “We are doing our best to ensure a steady supply of high-quality seafood products for grocery store seafood departments” said Wayne Reichle, President.

Lund’s Fisheries harvests and produces U.S. scallops and squid which are processed under the most demanding quality and sanitary standards.  Likewise, Lund’s imported, and value-added products meet these same criteria and are ideal for home preparation when so many restaurant establishments are closed for business.

With the new scallop season about to get underway April 1^st, with its fleet of boats, Lund’s is uniquely positioned and committed to providing uninterrupted supply of seafood through its trusted supply chain partners and longtime relationships during this crisis.

For more information or if Lund’s can help you with your seafood needs contact us at  [email protected]

From the Lund’s family to yours, stay safe and healthy.

FROM THE SAVING SEAFOOD NATIONAL COALITION FOR FISHING COMMUNITIES

U.S. Commercial Fishing Interests Describe COVID-19 Challenges; List Top Federal Aid Assistance Proposals 

March 25, 2020 — WASHINGTON — The following was released by Saving Seafood’s National Coalition for Fishing Communities:

Late last week, Saving Seafood staff was asked by Congressional offices for comment and input from the Commercial Fishing Industry as to what is being experienced as a result of the disruption resulting from the COVID-19 crisis, and how Federal emergency economic assistance might be able to assist.

Over the weekend, Pacific Seafood took the initiative to work across industry lines to craft letters, which have now been sent to the President, House and Senate Leadership, and Cabinet Members, outlining bold action that can be taken to preserve the operating liquidity of the seafood production employers who provide and support domestic food infrastructure and the millions of jobs they support. An unprecedented outpouring of over 180 companies and organizations throughout the seafood industry participated in this effort. These letters address possible actions in Congress.

To respond to the Congressional requests, Saving Seafood reached out to our extensive network of commercial fishermen and related businesses on the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts, as well as Hawaii, for input on how COVID-19 has affected their businesses, and for recommendations on what they feel would be the best ways for the government to help. These efforts address possible actions at the local, state, and Federal levels, including both Congressional and Administration/Agency actions.

The fishing and seafood sectors are not homogeneous, and different regions and fisheries are experiencing different challenges; therefore, the forms of assistance described are intended to reflect both immediate pressures where prices have fallen, as well as longer term needs associated with securing future fishing vessel crew-members, and processing workforce.

We would like to express gratitude to Senators Ed Markey, Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Elizabeth Warren and their staffs for communicating the needs and concerns of the seafood industry to Senate leadership. It is our hope that Congress will heed their request, and also recognize and take action to address the reality that our commercial fishing and seafood industries are highly diverse between regions. Additional assistance beyond what is outlined in today’s letters and this release may be needed to address broader near-term critical needs for some seafood producers. Domestic harvesting, production, processing, transportation, and promotion will all need federal assistance to ensure that we can provide a steady supply of healthy domestic seafood to US consumers during this time of crisis.

NOAA’s “Fisheries of the United States 2017” reported that more than 2/3 (68%) of the $102.2 billion that consumers spent on fishery products in 2017 is spent at food service establishments, with less than one-third sold in retail outlets for home consumption. Thus, the necessary closures in the nation’s hospitality and restaurant industry are having an outsized impact on domestic commercial fisheries.
 
While this effort focused on the effect of the COVID-19 crisis on commercial harvesters and processors, support businesses such as fuel, shipyards, gear manufacturers, etc. are also being impacted by a decline in commercial fishing.
 
The following is a summary of suggestions made by members of our industry.

• Essential Employee Status – According to guidelines published by the Department of Homeland Security, those employed in fish harvesting and processing are considered “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” as they provide food to the nation. Fishermen and processor staff must also be designated as essential employees so that they would be able to continue operations during any potential shelter-in-place orders. These businesses must also have free and fast testing deployed locally for these essential workers, as testing is a necessary component of onboarding/crewing protocol to safely serve upcoming fishing and processing seasons.
• Grant programs or stimulus to cover losses – In order to maintain domestic seafood supply chains and to ensure continued operations, many businesses in the commercial fishing industry need liquidity. These businesses feel that additional borrowing should be a last resort, as the duration of this crisis is unknown and many businesses are already overleveraged in an attempt to keep up with foreign markets, including Asia where their seafood industry is heavily subsidized. Loan forgiveness for loans used to maintain payroll, grants for maintenance to keep vessels in good working order, and low-interest loans to refinance existing debt would help.
• Payment relief – In addition to direct payments, and forgivable loans, another suggestion that would allow companies to continue operations is the suspension of certain financial obligations such as utilities, real estate tax, and mortgages.
• Government purchase of seafood – The government could increase seafood purchases for institutional use (i.e. prisons, hospitals, school lunch programs, etc.) as well as for distribution as food assistance. The purchases would provide much needed capital, ensure stable prices, allow companies to move stored inventory, and ensure continued operations. This would also ensure a stable supply of fresh, healthy food for those who are facing food shortages.
• Payroll and Unemployment Assistance – Many businesses are concerned that when restaurants, hotels, and bars re-open they will face significant lag time before resuming operations if they are forced to lay off staff during this time. This lag would compound the financial difficulties they are already facing. They would like to be able to continue paying staff or assure them that unemployment payments will be available to quickly fill the gap so that their employees don’t seek work elsewhere. Additionally, many vessel crew members are considered self-employed and do not currently qualify for unemployment or paid leave, so relief efforts must also be extended to these workers.
• Promote American Seafood – On an encouraging note, many businesses are seeing an increase in retail sales of seafood through grocery stores and markets. U.S. fisheries are among the best in the world and this is a perfect opportunity to promote consumption of sustainably caught domestic seafood. A “Buy American” campaign, with simple instructions, could go a long way to helping these businesses move their product and maintain revenue.
• Visa Expediting – Many businesses rely on temporary, seasonal foreign labor for the harvesting and processing of seafood. Current travel restrictions and bureaucratic delays are limiting the number of essential workers available. When travel restrictions are reduced and retail businesses reopen, fishing operations need to be able to staff up as quickly as possible, including hiring essential workers with valid temporary, seasonal visas.
• Federal Fisheries Disaster Action- Declaration of a Federal fisheries disaster opens up aid options including direct subsidies for struggling businesses and low interest loans. The Administration should expedite the OMB approval process of stakeholder “spend plans” for fishery disasters already declared and funded by Congress. There are currently plans sitting at OMB awaiting final approval and funding disbursements. The COVID situation has placed a more urgent need in coastal communities for these previously appropriated funds.
• Supply chain access – Several fishing operations around the country sell their products overseas. They are requesting continued access to and cooperation from officials at ports, rail, and border crossings so that they can maintain their sales.
• Stability of Fisheries Access – In order that the industry may make a full and speedy recovery, to reduce costs, and to maintain supply, we urge reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens currently in place that are preventing access to and sustainable harvest from fishing grounds.

Read the letter to the President and the Administration here

Read the letter to Congress here

About the Garden State Seafood Association

The Garden State Seafood Association (GSSA) is comprised of commercial fishermen, shore-based seafood processors, commercial dock facilities, seafood markets and restaurants, and various NJ-based commercial fishing industry support businesses. The GSSA membership represents every major port in the State, harvesting approximately $100 million dollars worth of seafood products annually, supporting 2,000 jobs, and contributing significantly to the coastal economy of the State of New Jersey.

We Harvest and Process the Finest Seafood in the World

Lund’s Fisheries is one of the largest scallop harvester/processors in the USA.
In addition, we import the finest quality scallops from around the world, and have an exclusivity for the Faroe Islands.

Domestic Atlantic Sea Scallops

Supply

60% of the total allowable catch in pounds is in. Out of that, roughly 57% of the Open Area catch has been harvested, based on allowable days at sea. Over 75% of the Closed/Protected Areas’ catch is in.

Sizing & Price Trends

A slight reduction in supply of U/10’s and 10/20’s has resulted in a 10% price increase, versus 2018/2019. Predominant harvest has been a 20/30 count. Lund’s Fisheries has the sizes and quantities you need at value pricing.

Imported Scallops

China

China is still our single largest imported bay scallop supplier, accounting for roughly 42% of the 32.6 million pounds of imports. Sizing has been confined to 60/80 and 80/120 count. Due to current tariffs on Chinese imports, prices have been on the rise and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Japan

Production started in April, but due to pricing being well above domestic product, by approximately $1.00/LB, very little inventory is being brought into the USA. The main sizes being harvested are 18/23, 23/27, and 27/36, however, the majority, up to know, is being consumed in Japan. We anticipate prices to fall around 10% as demand decreases.

Peru

Predominant sizes being produced are 30/40’s thru 40/60’s. Prices have dropped slightly, so it’s an excellent time to secure inventory before they rise again during the 4th quarter.

Mexico

The season started in mid-June. Thus far, there has been a production of about $1.2M LBS. Predominant sizes harvested have been are 60/80 thru 80/120. Season is now closed thru April/May of 2020, due to the fishermen wanting more money. Lund’s currently has some inventory at great prices. Product is moving fast as it is one of the sweetest bay imports around.

Lund’s Fisheries is Now Proud to Offer MSC-Certified Illex Squid to our Domestic and Export Customers

CAPE MAY, N.J. – May 3, 2019 – Lund’s Fisheries is pleased to announce that the U.S. Northeast Northern Shortfin Squid (illex) fishery has been certified as sustainable against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) fisheries standard. Lund’s now offers the only two species of squid in the world to have obtained MSC certification: the company’s loligo squid fishery was certified as sustainable last year.

“Lund’s is at the forefront of providing consumers with fresh, sustainably harvested seafood,” said Wayne Reichle, President of Lund’s Fisheries. “MSC certification for illex squid is just the latest example of our commitment to ensuring that all of our products are responsibly harvested and sustainably sourced.”

With an MSC label, consumers can be sure that their seafood comes from a fishery that is managed effectively and sustainably, and from one that minimizes its environmental impact. MSC certification is widely considered one of the strictest certification labels in the world, the “gold standard” of sustainable seafood. Through its active pursuit of the MSC label for its squid and Atlantic sea scallop products, and its sustainable sourcing of the rest of its product line, Lund’s is a leader in bringing environmentally friendly products to the U.S. and European markets.

“Consumers can be confident that when they purchase squid, scallops, or any other seafood from Lund’s, it comes with a commitment to support the long-term health of our oceans and marine life,” Mr. Reichle said.

Illex squid are migratory and occupy a large range, from Newfoundland to Florida. Unlike many other species of fish, illex squid likely to not be significantly affected by climate change, and some studies indicate that the species may even benefit from warmer ocean temperatures. Fisheries managers are confident enough in the future health of the species that they are proposing to raise the quota this year from 22,915 mt to 24,825 mt, an 8 percent increase.

Lund’s will be showcasing its sustainable squid products at this year’s Seafood Expo Global, taking place in Brussels, Belgium from May 7-9. Stop by booth 6-1225 to meet with our U.S. and European sales staff, who are dedicated to providing sustainable squid and scallop options for you and your customers.

2019 Atlantic Sea Scallop Proposed Management Measures

NOAA Fisheries Proposes Management Measures for the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery 2019 Fishing Year

On February 20, 2019, NOAA Fisheries published the proposed rule to set management measures for the Atlantic Sea Scallop fishery for the 2019 fishing year (April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020).

As noted by NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Region, Framework 30 would:

• Set specifications for the scallop fishery for fishing year 2019, including days-at-sea (DAS) allocations, individual fishing quotas (IFQs), and sea scallop access area trip allocations. These allocations would be similar to those set in the 2018 fishing year. This action would also set precautionary default 2020 specifications, in case we implement the next framework after the April 1, 2020 start of the 2020 fishing year;

• Allocate effort into three rotational access areas (Mid-Atlantic, Nantucket Lightship-West, and Closed Area 1). Scallop landings allocated to Closed Area 1 would be “flexible” and could be landed from any available access area;
• Set a 205,000 lb Northern Gulf of Maine total allowable catch (TAC) for 2019 that would be split as 137,500 lb for the limited access general category (LAGC) and 67,500 lb for the limited access fleet;
• Standardize default specifications for limited access DAS and LAGC IFQ allocations; and
• Standardize the approach used to set the number of access area trips available to the LAGC IFQ fleet.

Read the complete details on these proposed modifications at the Federal Register.

A few of Lund’s Fisheries Trawler/Scallopers

NMFS proposes to approve and implement the measures of Framework Adjustment 30

to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan that establishes scallop specifications and other measures for fishing years 2019 and 2020. This action is necessary to prevent overfishing and improve both yield-per-recruit and the overall management of the Atlantic sea scallop resource. The intended effect of this rule is to notify the public of these proposed measures and to solicit comment on the potential scallop fishery management changes.

Lund’s Fisheries now offers MSC-certified Loligo Squid to our Domestic and Export Customers

CAPE MAY, N.J. – May 24, 2018 – Lund’s Fisheries is pleased to announce that its Northeastern longfin (Loligo) squid fishery is the first squid fishery in the world to be certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Receiving MSC certification confirms what we already knew: that our fishing practices, both in the United States and here at Lund’s, are the best in the world, creating healthy fisheries and marine environments.

“We are thrilled that the Loligo squid fishery has received MSC’s famous blue eco-label,” said Wayne Reichle, President of Lund’s Fisheries. “This certification tells the world that our fishery is operating sustainably, and is a strong example of our commitment to providing customers with responsibly sourced, high-quality products.”

Lund’s Fisheries is the only U.S. producer of all three squid fisheries available in domestic waters: Atlantic Loligo, or Longfin squid (Doryteuthis pealeii), Atlantic Shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus) – now being assessed for MSC certification later this year – and Pacific market squid (Doryteuthis opalescens).

Now, more than ever, consumers want to know where and how their seafood is caught, that it is handled safely, and that it is being sustainably managed for the future. While the MSC blue ecolabel has been in demand with our European customers for some time, our domestic partners are increasingly looking for it, and customers are more widely asking for the MSC brand. With this certification, Lund’s will continue to deliver on our promise to produce only “seafood as it should be.”

MSC certification of our Loligo squid fishery:

• Provides the healthiest seafood to consumers
• Promotes traceability, showing where and when the seafood is caught
• Promotes economic stability of fishing communities
• Provides assurances to our domestic and foreign customers that U.S.-produced East
  Coast Loligo is being managed to ensure its long-term availability

Third-party certification of the U.S. fisheries management system through organizations like MSC allows us to communicate to our customers that our domestically produced seafood products are harvested sustainably year after year, while also protecting our valuable, and productive, marine ecosystem in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean.

Next year, Lund’s Fisheries, with headquarters in Cape May, New Jersey, and operations on both coasts, will celebrate 65 years of “Managing the Needs of our Customers through our Commitment to Sustainable Fisheries.” Our family-owned enterprise has pioneered cooperative fisheries research and management in order to allow seafood lovers everywhere to enjoy a sustainable supply of seafood from local waters. We believe fisheries must be managed based on sound science and we work hard to protect the ocean’s resources for our customers today and for generations to come.

Media

LUND’S FISHERIES INCORPORATED

Lund’s Fisheries Promotes, Hires as Part of Domestic Expansion

Lund’s Fisheries is pleased to announce a series of promotions and new hires as part of its expansion into innovative product lines and markets. Our reorganized team will focus on adding additional value-added products such as seafood mixes, sauces and gourmet meals to the company’s overall product mix, while further developing Lund’s long-standing product lines such as fresh and frozen seafood and bait products.

As part of this new focus, Wayne Reichle will be promoted from Vice President to President of Lund’s Fisheries. Wayne has worked with the company for 23 years, and has experience in all aspects of the industry, from commercial fishing to sales. As part of our expansion into value-added products, Wayne will manage all factory and fleet operations and Lund’s Fisheries’ domestic and foreign seafood trade.

Joe Davids’ promotion to Vice President of Operations will position him to oversee the production of Lund’s Fisheries’ new products as well as manage daily operations in Lund’s factories across the country from New Jersey to California. Starting as a dock mechanic at Lund’s over 22 years ago, Joe’s unceasing drive for efficiency paved the way for his steady rise from entry level to Vice President.

David Gray will become Vice President of our Value-Added Division. In this role, David will use his expertise in product development to create products that appeal to new markets – both domestic and international. Having worked for many years in the scallop business prior to coming to Lund’s, David developed innovative techniques to ensure a quality product to meet the toughest retailer requirements. He will play an integral part in creating Lund’s Fisheries’ new value-added line of products.

A recent hire, and the new Director of Sales, Randy Spencer will focus on developing a more robust sales team, and will manage that team along with overseeing Lund’s Fisheries’ domestic sales. Randy comes with a wealth of experience within the industry, having spent the last 20 years working with many species of fish and shellfish. A chef by trade, Randy also brings a strong culinary and product development background to Lund’s. Randy’s new role will focus on positioning Lund’s products and directing the firm’s efforts into an effective, domestic growth strategy.

Jeff Reichle, who is yielding the presidency to Wayne, will remain at Lund’s as Chairman of the Board.  Jeff will pursue long-term growth opportunities for the business. Jeff has been yielding responsibility to Wayne over the course of the past 10 years in order to prepare for this transition in roles. Starting at Lund’s in 1974, Jeff was hired to oversee sales and manage dock operations. In 1987, the opportunity arose to buy the business from the Lund family. He finalized the purchase in 1997 and served as President of Lund’s Fisheries until Wayne’s promotion.

Since 1954 the Lund’s Fisheries brand and products have inspired trust and confidence worldwide. With locations on both the West and East coasts of the USA we are able to offer our customers a wide range of high quality land and sea frozen seafood produced by our company owned fishing vessels and the many independent vessels we deal with.