National Fisheries Institute

Lee J. Weddig

Executive Vice-President

1980

During the past year the National Fisheries Institute moved aggressively, broadening its programming in a wide variety of ways to reflect the growing complexities of the industry and the needs of its membership.

Progress was made in the formation of the National Fisheries Education and Research Foundation, the implementation of Education Programs, the start-up of several new committees, and aggressive reaction to unwarranted government regulatory procedures.

Membership continues to grow with the Institute, now representing more than 950 member firms. During the past three years, the Institute membership has increased by more than 50 percent. The growth in membership is reflected in greater participation in association activities. Beginning with the tremendous crowds at the 1979 convention in Atlanta, which drew almost 1,700 persons, all meetings were marked with record attendance. Through the year, large numbers participated in the new educational seminars. Regional meetings in January and February of 1980 drew crowds as did the Board of Directors meeting in the Fall. More than 1,500 persons attended the April 1980 convention in Washington, D.C.

The growth in membership and support for the Institute enabled a major addition to the staff in the form of an Associate Director. Responsibilities included the development of closer coordination of NFI membership to Regional Fisheries Management Councils and management of the newly formed National Fisheries Education and Research Foundation.

The formation of the National Fisheries Foundation is a move of particular importance to the association. This new organization was set up to seek outside funding to assist major consumer education and other research projects. The Board of the new group included officers of the Institute as well as representatives of consumer groups and educational institutions.

The interest of association members in the education is evidenced by the success of the series of workshops sponsored during the year on import procedures and shrimp decomposition. The new Education Committee, formed during the year is now planning major new programs for the future, which could include the sponsorship of a complete curriculum at a university as well as continuing workshops and seminars in all areas of interest to the industry.

Seminars were new features of the long-term consumer trade education program as well. A series of workshops were sponsored by NFI in conjunction with both the National Restaurant Association and the Food Marketing Institute as a means of interesting both trades in seafood merchandising and promotion.

Other Communications projects included development of a second training audio/visuals, as well as the more routine publicity activities.

In addition to the new Education Committee, a Fresh Fish Committee was formed during the year to provide special emphasis in this burgeoning section of our industry.

Government Relations remains the major action of the National Fisheries Institute, but during the past year it took a stronger twist in the form of litigation. As many as seven separate actions have resulted in employment of legal counsel in both the courts and regulatory process. A long-term effect to increase the mercury guideline has now reached the Appellate Court where a case is underway seeking judicial change in mercury guidelines. A new Federal District Court action was initiated during the year to challenge the Food and Drug Administration’s policy on salmonella. Other actions included opposition to a petition to restrict the importation of groundfish products in procedures before the US International Trade Commission. Environmental Protection Agency methodology to determine effluent standards was challenged in a District Court case which was later dropped when the EPA provided assurances that it would utilize results of a seafood study when the effluent standards were promulgated. Other legal action included a challenge to a State of Massachusetts restriction on licensing of fishing vessels and action to clarify ICC regulations on exempt trucking.

Work with the Congress was also a major effort of the association. The Political Action Committee, founded just a year ago, has progressed, raising funds for contributions to Congressional and presidential campaigns. The now well known NFI luncheons for the US Senate and the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee were again conducted to the acclaim of all who attended.

The strength of the Institute is represented in the broad base of its members. During the year this took on new dimensions with the addition of the National FishMeal and Oil Association as a division of NFI, bringing to the association the very large Menhaden production industry.

During the course of the year the state of the industry has changed rather dramatically with the impact of inflation. The cost of fuel and money is having a severe effect on the health of the business. NFI through the years has responded to industry needs as best possible. Strength gathered through the past few years, in the form of membership, active committees, and creative programming will now be utilized to address present needs.