SeaShare
seashare.org
SeaShare helps the seafood industry donate to hunger-relief efforts in the United States. It began with a small group of commercial fishermen in Alaska who took bycatch that was required by law to be thrown back into the sea, and gave those fish – vital, healthy protein – to food banks. Over the past 20 years, SeaShare has grown its donations far beyond their original bycatch program. Now 90 percent of their seafood is first-run, marketable product, donated by generous fishermen and processors around the country. They believe in the power of seafood to help those served by food banks and feeding centers.
Their original bycatch donation program allowed SeaShare to accomplish a number of important milestones that have led to their success. It required achieved changes to National Marine Fisheries Service regulations in Alaska – the largest fishery in the United States – to allow the retention of bycatch solely for use by hunger-relief agencies. It also required them to develop a network of service donors so the load is shared and the results are maximized. With a growing list of processors, freight companies, food banks, and financial donors, more seafood is being served on more tables across the country. Over 200 million seafood servings have been distributed so far.
Seashare Halibut Being Unloaded in Nome, AK
