Recap: American Seafoods 2024 Net Recycling Day

On Tuesday, June 18th, GAPP’s Ron Rogness and I headed to Pier 91, excited to participate in the American Seafoods' third Annual Net Recycling Day. Upon arrival, we were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd gathered around Tim Fitzgerald, American Seafoods’ Chief Sustainability Officer, who was giving the day’s instructions. The event was bustling with representatives from various organizations, including American Seafoods, Gallagher Insurance, Lineage, and Climate Pledge Arena, and more all united by a shared commitment to sustainability.

As Tim wrapped up his briefing on the do's and don'ts, we were divided into teams to tackle the task at hand: dismantling and recycling old fishing nets. This was my second year at the event, and I was thrilled to see the largest turnout yet. With safety gloves on and rope-cutting knives in hand, we set to work, determined to make a difference.

The atmosphere was charged with camaraderie and a sense of purpose. As we chopped through the nets, I couldn't help but reflect on why this event means so much to me. Seeing companies from the seafood industry and beyond come together to help the planet is incredibly inspiring. For those of us who work to promote the sustainability of Wild Alaska Pollock, recycling these nets feels like a natural extension of our mission.

The day flew by as we diligently cut and sorted the nets. By the end of it, we had recycled an impressive amount of material, leaving me with a sense of accomplishment and a bit of soreness. More importantly, it left me with a renewed commitment to our mission. Seeing tangible results, knowing that the nets were not going to landfills but would be repurposed, was incredibly rewarding.

Reflecting on the event, I realize how fortunate we are to have partners like Climate Pledge Arena and American Seafoods, who share our vision for a sustainable future. Our collaborative efforts at events like these not only promote environmental stewardship but also strengthen our community and industry bonds.

Wild Alaska Pollock is renowned for being the largest sustainable fishery in the world and having one of the smallest carbon footprints of any protein source. This event showcased our commitment to sustainability and highlighted our ability to collaborate effectively with partners like Climate Pledge Arena. Inviting their team to join us was a perfect fit, as we share a dedication to promoting environmentally responsible practices.

“At Climate Pledge Arena, staying ahead of the curve with our sustainability efforts has always been priority whether that’s in the arena or within the surrounding communities. Participating in events like this allows us to connect with our partners in a unique way that works towards achieving our common goals. Collaborating with GAPP and American Seafoods and their partners at Pier 91 was an incredible experience and we look forward to continuing this impactful partnership.”

Tom Conroy, Senior Vice President, Operations / Assistant General Manager, Climate Pledge Arena

Climate Pledge Arena is setting a new standard for sustainable sports and entertainment venues. With its commitment to becoming the first International Living Future Institute Net-Zero carbon-certified arena, running on 100% renewable energy, and eliminating single-use plastics, it mirrors the values we uphold in the Wild Alaska Pollock industry. We are pleased to be able to have our partnership with Climate Pledge Arena that is supported by both GAPP Members and NOAA’s Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant program as we inform US consumers on the sustainability of US fisheries.

Participating in the Net Recycling Day reaffirmed my belief in the power of collective action. It’s events like these that make a real difference, showcasing the strength of our partnerships and our unwavering commitment to sustainability. As we continue our journey, promoting Wild Alaska Pollock and its benefits, I am more optimistic than ever about the future we are building together.

Here’s to making a difference, one net at a time.