Santa Cruz, CA (September 12, 2018) FishWise, a local Santa Cruz nonprofit that began in 2003 as a pilot seafood sustainability and training program with New Leaf Community Markets, is today acknowledged as one of the world’s most effective organizations in empowering seafood companies to become champions of the oceans. On Friday, October 5, the organization will host 15 Years of FishWise, an open house celebration in honor of its anniversary.
“In our community, more people want to feel good about the food they are eating than ever before, yet some seafood is harvested or produced in unsafe conditions for workers,” observed Aurora Alifano, FishWise social responsibility division director. “FishWise is working with a network of experts to promote good industry practices that keep workers safe and healthy too. Today, we celebrate socially-conscious consumers. Santa Cruz-area shoppers helped launch the sustainable seafood movement with us 15 years ago. Now, FishWise is working to help consumers support social responsibility by purchasing local or Fair Trade-certified seafood from companies that are working hard to uphold human rights and improve labor conditions.”
The family-friendly event will include art, live music with the Getaway Dogs, and an opportunity for social networking. Come enjoy local craft beer by New Bohemia Brewing Company, tasty eats including tacos by Real Good Fish, and face painting for children. As part of the Santa Cruz First Friday series, the event will include an exhibition of ocean-themed works by local artists. Attendees can meet FishWise staff and learn how the organization is helping to bring sustainable seafood to your plate. The community celebration will run from 5:00-8:00pm at FishWise headquarters, 500 Seabright Avenue in Santa Cruz. Admission is free.
15 Years of FishWise is sponsored in part by KAZU 90.3FM and the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
“FishWise was conceived here in Santa Cruz by two UCSC grad students who shared a deep love and appreciation for the Monterey Bay,” said FishWise Chief Executive Officer Tobias Aguirre. “Over time, due to the seafood industry’s global nature, our work has evolved to focus on improving the sustainability of national and international fisheries and aquaculture operations. “Our anniversary celebration is an opportunity to ‘come home’ and deepen our relationship within our local community,” he continued. “We are grateful for the civically engaged Santa Cruz County community, and invite others who care deeply about the health of our oceans and the people that depend on them – this impacts us all – to learn more about our work.”
GO TO the Facebook event page.
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Media Inquiries:
Lara Kilpatrick
l.kilpatrick@fishwise.org
(831) 427-1707
FishWise, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports the health of ocean ecosystems by working directly with businesses to promote environmentally and socially responsible seafood. Healthy oceans are vitally important as a source of food and livelihoods, and for the well-being of the planet as a whole. As a business consultant, NGO collaborator, and science-based thought leader, FishWise is committed to creating and advancing sophisticated and diverse solutions to address the environmental and human resource challenges in seafood sustainability. For more information, please visit www.fishwise.org, and follow FishWise’s work on Facebook and Twitter.