Responsible Seafood Summit

Sponsored by Choice Canning Company.

All attendees are welcome to use the GSA Member Lounge for business meetings or simply to kick back. Coffee and tea are provided from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Devi Fisheries.

Opening Ceremony: Elder Edward Perley, Neqotkuk Wolastoqey First Nations
8:30-8:40 a.m.

Opening Remarks: Wally Stevens, CEO, Global Seafood Alliance
8:40-8:50 a.m.

Welcome Address: Margaret Johnson, New Brunswick Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fisheries Minister (with recorded greeting from Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard)
8:50-9:00 a.m.

Fireside Chat: Glenn Cooke, CEO, Cooke Inc., with George Chamberlain, President, The Center for Responsible Seafood
9:00-9:25 a.m.

Keynote Address: Colin MacDonald, Chair, Clearwater Seafoods
9:25-9:45 a.m.

First Nations: Ken Paul, Lead Fisheries Negotiator and Fisheries Research Coordinator, St. Mary’s Wolastoqiyik First Nations
9:45-10:00 a.m.

Sponsored by Apex Frozen Foods.

Fisheries Production Data and Analysis, Focus on Crustaceans and Groundfish: Angel Rubio, Economist, Urner Barry
10:15-10:35 a.m.

Aquaculture Production Data and Analysis, Shrimp and Finfish: Gorjan Nikolik, Senior Analyst, Rabobank
10:35-11:10 a.m.

Species Spotlight: Salmon Markets, Trade and Pricing Dynamics: Ragnar Nystøyl, Chief Analyst, Kontali
11:10-11:25 a.m.

Species Spotlight: Shrimp Markets, Trade and Pricing Dynamics: Chris van Bussel, Innovation Manager, Kontali
11:25-11:40 a.m.

Session No. 1 | Not All Sustainable Seafood Stories Are Simple
Despite the prevalence of seafood certifications, improver programs and ratings systems designed to bring clarity to transactions, many seafood-sourcing decisions remain complex. Some seafood-sustainability stories are nuanced and require businesses along the global supply chain to engage in sometimes-challenging conversations influenced by shifting consumer expectations. Plus, seafood “sustainability” claims are being increasingly scrutinized in the media and in the courts, with accusations of greenwashing becoming more common. Three seafood professionals from different sectors will delve into how they engage in discussions about some of the most complicated topics in the North American seafood industry: land-based aquaculture, fishery improvement projects and what happens when buying advice suddenly changes.
11:40 a.m.-12:20 p.m.

Panel Discussion:
Megan Sorby, Operations Manager, Kingfish Maine
Brice Phillips, Director of Club Store Sales, Phillips Foods; Chair, National Fisheries Institute Crab Council
Curtis Brown, Marine Biologist, Ready Seafood
Moderator: James Wright, Editor, Responsible Seafood Advocate

Partnership to Uplift Small-Scale Aquaculture Farmers: Jose Thomas, President, Choice Canning Co.
12:20-12:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Mazzetta Company.

Field trips depart from the lobby of the Saint John Delta at approximately 2 p.m., with a pick-up at the Hilton. (Please note that the Cooke field trip departs at 11 a.m. with boxed lunches for participants.) Field trips return to Saint John at approximately 5:30 p.m. Registration is required. When registering, check the “field trips” add-on and pay the additional $200 USD fee. Limit of one field trip per day. Questions? Interested in registering? Contact summit@globalseafood.org.

• Cooke Seafood “egg-to-plate” tour (Atlantic salmon hatchery, farm and processing plant, in order) SOLD OUT
• Connors Bros. Ltd. sardine and herring cannery SOLD OUT
• East Coast Innovation Inc. fish-transfer technology workshop
  
• Skretting feed mill SOLD OUT
• Saeplast container-manufacturing facility

Transportation sponsored by Expalsa.

Session No. 2 | One Industry, One Voice: Can Aquaculture and Fisheries Build a More Unified Front?
The once-contentious relationship between aquaculture and fisheries has progressed significantly over time, but there are still opportunities to break barriers. Whether intentional or not, messaging that one is “better” only confuses consumers, who may ultimately pass on seafood altogether. A panel of industry experts – representing aquaculture, wild-capture fisheries, marketing and academia – will discuss the need to drop negative talk for a more constructive dialogue.
2:00-2:45 p.m.

Panel Discussion:
Julie Decker, Executive Director, Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation
Linda Cornish, Founder and President, Seafood Nutrition Partnership
Bill DiMento, VP of Corporate Sustainability, High Liner Foods
Moderator: Susan Marks, Sustainability/Certification Advisor, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute

Responsible Fisheries Management: Tom Sunderland, Senior Director of Market Development, Global Seafood Alliance
2:45-3:00 p.m.

Watch as the co-hosts of the Global Seafood Alliance’s Aquademia podcast interview speakers and attendees live from the Saint John Delta.

Join us and the six finalists of the 11th annual Responsible Seafood Innovation Award for a reception and ceremony in which the two winners of the 2023 competition – one for aquaculture and one for wild-capture fisheries – will be announced. The finalists are:

Fisheries:
Ava Ocean
ORIVO
Zeal Industries
 
Aquaculture:
AquaExchange
AQUIT
Cresponix

Sponsored by the U.S. Soybean Export Council.

This reception at the Saint John Arts Centre is a unique opportunity to connect local young professionals and students interested in a career in seafood with seafood business leaders from around the globe. All Responsible Seafood Summit guests are welcome to attend. Register now, as capacity is limited. Sponsored by Cooke Inc.

Sponsored by Choice Canning Company.

All attendees are welcome to use the GSA Member Lounge for business meetings or simply to kick back. Coffee and tea are provided from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Keynote Address: Lee Addams, Partner/Principal-Food and Agriculture, Sustainability, EY-Parthenon
8:30-8:50 a.m.

Keynote Address: Kim Gorton, President & CEO, Slade Gorton & Co.
8:50-9:10 a.m.

Rural Development Success Stories: Tavish Scott, CEO, Salmon Scotland
9:10-9:30 a.m.

Session No. 3 | Visibility, Automation and Regulation: How Will Seafood Supply Chains Adapt Moving Forward?
Blue foods play a critical role in food security and socioeconomic prosperity. Three billion people rely on seafood for food or livelihood, or both. The oceans can produce six times more food than they currently do, particularly foods originating from mariculture and the marriage of aquaculture and fisheries. The need to get there sooner, rather than later, is being accelerated by efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, inflation, regulations, higher cost of labor, processing and shipping are forcing the industry to rethink its supply chains, while implementing mechanical and technological efficiencies.  A panel of seafood producers, suppliers, and supply chain and traceability experts will answer these questions and more.
9:30-10:10 a.m.

Panel Discussion:
Susan Cole, Co-Owner, Cole Munro Foods Group
Joe Lasprogata, VP of Product Development, Samuels & Sons Seafood
Chip Terry, Founder & CEO, BlueTrace
Tabare Dominguez, VP Commercial, DP World Canada
Moderator: Denise Gurshin, Director of Market Development-South and Southeast Asia, Global Seafood Alliance

Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Toby Corey, Executive Chair & COO, Cruz Foam (formerly of Tesla and SolarCity)
10:10-10:30 a.m.

Sponsored by Apex Frozen Foods.

Session No. 4 | Achieving Deforestation- And Conversion-Free Seafood Supply Chains
Deforestation and land conversion is a significant contributor to climate change and must be stopped. Availability of deforestation and conversion-free (DCF) feed ingredients is one of the critical issues facing the global aquaculture industry. Companies throughout the seafood supply chain, from producers to ingredient and feed suppliers to importers and retailers, have set DCF sourcing goals but they are facing significant obstacles to achieving them. As a result of these obstacles, corporate policies are often not being enforced regionally due to logistical limitations in sourcing DCF ingredients, highlighted by a lack of certified DCF soy from Brazil and the challenges of tracing soy back to the source. This discussion will address how the industry will advance DCF commitments.
10:45-11:35 a.m.

Aquaculture as a Solution for DCF Supply Chains: Robert Jones, Global Aquaculture Lead, The Nature Conservancy
10:45-11:00 a.m.

Fireside Chat: Video Discussion on Deforestation Polices in Seafood Supply Chains with Walmart:
Michelle Zackin, Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives-Sustainable Food, Walmart
Michael Berto, Merchandising Director-Frozen Seafood, Walmart
11:00-11:10 a.m.

Proof of Concept for DCF Soy: Jayson Berryhill, Co-Founder, Wholechain/(en)visible
11:10-11:25 a.m.

Wrap-up Discussion: Jayson Berryhill, Robert Jones
Moderator: Steve Hart, VP of Market Development, Global Seafood Alliance
11:25-11:35 a.m.

Session No. 5 | Fish Without a Category: Growing Seafood Sales And Finding New Sales Opportunities In 2023 And Beyond
Inflation is eating into disposable income, consumers are starved for time and the pandemic-fueled cooking-seafood-at-home fad has faded, flattening seafood sales that boomed during the pandemic. Retailers and foodservice operators are looking beyond traditional sales channels and to new promotions to grow the seafood category, but how do they get there? That’s where our experts come in. Two researchers will share original insights on consumer seafood-purchasing behaviors that aim to answer questions that haven’t been answered or even asked. Two others will reveal what marketing messages are resonating and what do not. Finally, two entrepreneurs will share their experiences of launching new products in seafood-starved categories. The discussion will be rounded out with a panel of buyers who will weigh in on growing existing sales and finding new sales opportunities in 2023 and beyond.
11:35 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Original Insights on Consumer Seafood-Purchasing: Matt Craze, Founder & Lead Researcher, Spheric Research
11:35-11:55 a.m.

Seafood Marketing Hits and Misses: Hannah Lindoff, Senior Director of Global Marketing and Strategy, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
11:55 a.m.-12:10 p.m.

Seafood Marketing Hits and Misses: Michael-Ann Rowe, Seafood and Agrifood Spokesperson, Marketing Expert & Emmy Award-Winning Producer & Writer
12:10-12:30 p.m.

This is an offsite interactive workshop to discuss the current state of inclusion in today’s global seafood industry and gain a comprehensive understanding of the vital role of an inclusive culture. Participants will learn how to assess their organization’s culture and DE&I maturity, adopt strategies to foster workplace inclusion and address micro-aggressions, explore the crucial role of leadership and boards, and co-develop actionable steps to address key DE&I challenges. Details on registration to follow. Transportation and lunch provided. Presented by the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association and EY Canada.

Register now. Registration deadline is Sept. 29.

Facilitator: Antoine Mindjimba, Partner, People Advisory Services of EY Canada
Speakers: Susan Farquharson, Executive Director, Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association; Heather Jones, CEO, Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre

Join us for a special “Flavour of Scotland” lunch. Introduction by Adam Wing, head of trade marketing-UK, Middle East and Asia, for Seafood Scotland, so-host of the 2024 Responsible Seafood Summit. Sponsored by Seafood Scotland.

Field trips depart from the lobby of the Saint John Delta at approximately 2 p.m., with a pick-up at the Hilton. (Please note that the Cooke field trip departs at 11 a.m. with boxed lunches for participants.) Field trips return to Saint John at approximately 5:30 p.m. Registration is required. When registering, check the “field trips” add-on and pay the additional $200 USD fee. Limit of one field trip per day. Questions? Interested in registering? Contact summit@globalseafood.org.

• Cooke Seafood “egg-to-plate” tour (Atlantic salmon hatchery, processing plant and farm, in order) SOLD OUT
• Connors Bros. Ltd. sardine and herring cannery SOLD OUT
• Skretting feed mill SOLD OUT
• RPC Science & Technology fish health diagnostics laboratory
• Ashored Innovations’ rope-on-command fishing gear demonstration SOLD OUT
  

Transportation sponsored by Expalsa.

Session No. 5 | Fish Without a Category: Growing Seafood Sales And Finding New Sales Opportunities In 2023 And Beyond (Cont.)
Inflation is eating into disposable income, consumers are starved for time and the pandemic-fueled cooking-seafood-at-home fad has faded, flattening seafood sales that boomed during the pandemic. Retailers and foodservice operators are looking beyond traditional sales channels and to new promotions to grow the seafood category, but how do they get there? That’s where our experts come in. Two researchers will share original insights on consumer seafood-purchasing behaviors that aim to answer questions that haven’t been answered or even asked. Two others will reveal what marketing messages are resonating and what do not. Finally, two entrepreneurs will share their experiences of launching new products in seafood-starved categories. The discussion will be rounded out with a panel of buyers who will weigh in on growing existing sales and finding new sales opportunities in 2023 and beyond.
2:00-3:00 p.m.

Panel Discussion:
David Parker, Head of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Sainsbury’s Plc.
Tom Domino, COO, Choice Canning Co.
Matt Craze, Founder & Lead Researcher, Spheric Research
Hannah Lindoff, Senior Director of Global Marketing and Strategy, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
Michael-Ann Rowe, Seafood and Agrifood Spokesperson, Marketing Expert and Emmy Award-Winning Producer and Writer
Moderator: Molly Jacques, VP of Market Development Operations, Global Seafood Alliance

Watch as the co-hosts of the Global Seafood Alliance’s Aquademia podcast interview speakers and attendees live from the Saint John Delta.

The Responsible Seafood Summit gala reception and dinner is back! Join us for drinks and a celebration of Atlantic Canada seafood at the historic Imperial Theatre, which is a short walk from the Delta and Hilton. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. The gala will conclude with a performance by comedian James Mullinger. Dress code is business casual. Sponsored by the Province of New Brunswick.

Sponsored by Choice Canning Company.

All attendees are welcome to use the GSA Member Lounge for business meetings or simply to kick back. Coffee and tea are provided from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Field trips depart from the lobby of the Saint John Delta at approximately 9 a.m., with a pick-up at the Hilton. Field trips return to Saint John at approximately 5:00 p.m. These are a full-day excursions, so plan to stay in Saint John the night of Oct. 5 and fly out the next day. Dress accordingly, as the weather can shift abruptly. Registration is required. When registering, check the “field trips” add-on and pay the additional $200 USD fee. Questions? Interested in registering? Contact summit@globalseafood.org.

• Grand Manan Island salmon farming, lobster fishing (full day)
• Oyster Kings oyster farm and Edmond Gagnon Ltd. lobster processing plant (full day)

Transportation sponsored by Expalsa.

Improvement Projects: George Chamberlain, President, The Center for Responsible Seafood
9:00-9:20 a.m.

Collaboration Amongst Aquaculture and Fishery Improvement Projects: Cormac O’Sullivan, Senior Fellow Global Aquaculture Science, Monterey Bay Aquarium
9:20-9:40 a.m.

Session No. 6 | Close To Home: Innovation and Adaptation Amongst Canadian Snow Crab and Lobster Fisheries
Fishery improvement projects (FIPs) are an important tool in the effort to improve fishing practices worldwide. Canadian snow crab and lobster fisheries are innovating and adapting quickly to reduce their interactions with whales, which are migrating into Canadian waters earlier each year and overlapping with these valuable fisheries. A panel of experts will discuss collaboration among industry, gear manufacturers and NGOs to proactively address the challenges facing both the fishing community and whales.
9:40-10:20 a.m.

Panel Discussion:
Katherine Morrissette, MKM Global, Implementer for Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Snow Crab FIP
Stephen Jones, Chief Business Development Officer, Ashored Innovations
Elizabeth Vézina, Fisheries Engagement Specialist & Field Program Lead, CANFish Gear Lending Program
Martin Noël, Captain FV, Jean-Denis Martin
Moderator: Kathryn Novak, Biodiversity & Nature Director, Sustainable Fisheries Partnership

Sponsored by Apex Frozen Foods.

Session No. 7 | Owning the Fish Welfare Discussion
In aquaculture, animal health and welfare has focused on preventing negatives such as disease, poor animal nutrition, poor water quality, stress from overcrowding and deficient slaughtering techniques. Today, pressure is mounting from campaigners and policymakers to take the next steps and create a more positive environment for fish that actively promotes health and well-being. Innovators are rising to the challenge and efforts are under way to improve everything from live fish transportation to slaughtering techniques. But how to do we measure progress collectively? A panel of experts will discuss the need to better help farmers improve fish welfare practices as well as the need to establish a common industry language for fish welfare.
10:40 a.m.-12:10 p.m.

Wildlife Conservation: Luke Martin, CEO, Salmon Tasmania
10:40-11:00 a.m.

Fish Welfare: Øistein Thorsen, CEO, FAI Farms
11:00-11:20 a.m.

Panel Discussion:
Joel Halse, CEO, East Coast Innovation Inc.
Jenny Bouwsema, Director of Scientific Research, Ace Aquatec
Louise Valducci, Head of Food Business-Europe, Compassion in World Farming
Moderator: Øistein Thorsen, CEO, FAI Farms
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m.

Closing Ceremonies and Introduction to Scotland
Donna Fordyce, CEO of Seafood Scotland, will welcome the audience to the 2024 Responsible Seafood Summit, co-hosted by Seafood Scotland, at the Fairmont St. Andrews on Scotland’s east coast from Oct. 21 to 24.
12:10-12:30 p.m.

Speaker: Donna Fordyce, CEO, Seafood Scotland

Join us for a special “Flavour of Scotland” lunch and Scotch whisky tasting. Sponsored by Seafood Scotland.