State Assemblyman Fred Thiele and State Senator Ken LaValle today announced that Governor Cuomo has signed their legislation creating a New York State Seafood Marketing Task Force. In addition, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Marine Program previously received a $65,000 state grant to help promote locally caught seafood as a viable alternative to fish imported from other countries, which now composes more than 90 percent of U.S. seafood consumption.

The Task Force will be directed by the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Economic Development, and the State Department of State.

In addition, the Task Force will key include stakeholders comprised of the Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, New York Sea Grant Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension, a trade organization for seafood issues, dealers, wholesalers or processors who purchase and sell finfish, shellfish, and/or crustaceans; aquaculturists, a New York-based retailer of seafood products associated with a restaurant or restaurant organization, a New York-based retailer of seafood products associated with an independent or franchised store, a commercial fisherman licensed to harvest and/or land in New York, a member of an independent organization or association representing the New York hospitality industry, and an economist with expertise in seafood marketing.

The Task Force will consider the following issues:

• Methods to increase the resources and information available to support New York's local fishermen, aquaculturists and related small businesses to ensure the best possible economic and environmental outcomes for the continued growth of the seafood industry and the creation of more locally produced sustainable food systems in the State of New York
• Methods to promote the marketing and sustainability of New York seafood, such as: (a) Identifying barriers that prevent and/or inhibit local seafood marketing initiatives and growth; (b) Identifying and facilitating opportunities to increase consumer demand for local seafood; (c) Identifying and facilitating opportunities to establish agreements with local fishermen and seafood dealers for potential seafood market3 place expansion; (d) Identifying and working with federal and state entities to prevent seafood mislabeling and keep illegally caught fish out of New York's seafood markets, while providing more information to consumers about their seafood purchases;
• Review of existing studies, pilot programs and initiatives of this state and other states regarding best seafood marketing practices; and
• Potential educational opportunities that may be provided for consumers and the seafood and aquaculture community regarding the importance of New York's seafood industry and seafood issues and initiatives.

On or before September 1, 2018, the task force shall meet and convene a series of roundtable meetings. At least one roundtable meeting shall be held in each of the regions of the state with a relevant seafood industry stakeholder, specifically Long Island, New York City, and the lower Hudson Valley. At least two roundtable meetings shall be held on Long Island. The Task Force shall provide a written report of their findings identifying any proposed recommendations that may address research, marketing, and expansion opportunities for local seafood. Such report shall be provided to the Governor, the Speaker of the Assembly and the Temporary President of the Senate by September 30, 2019.

Assemblyman Thiele stated, “The fishing and seafood industry is a critical part of Long Island’s and New York State’s economy. It is imperative that these industries be competitive and sustainable. In recent month’s Senator LaValle and I have initiated new initiatives to promote these goals. Earlier this fall, we brought the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation to Long Island to meet with our fishermen to explore existing barriers to a viable commercial fishery such as inequitable federal quotas and the existing restrictive state licensing scheme. Also important is growing New York State’s market share of the increasing demand for seafood. Whether it is the commercial fisherman, aquaculturists, seafood wholesalers or processors, restaurants, or seafood stores, the future of these small businesses is critical to the heritage and the future of Long Island. This Task Force will assure that New York State aggressively pursues policies to insure that they thrive.”

Senator Ken LaValle said, “The fishing industry is a significant part of the fabric of the East End. It is essential that we provided the proper assistance and tools to enable this community to thrive. Assemblyman Thiele and I continually advocate for this vital industry. I am pleased that the Governor has signed our legislation to create the NY Seafood Marketing Task Force into Law and I am confident the Task Force will stimulate activity for this important economic segment.”