Courtesy of Seafood Source:
A group of conservation organizations want the White House to take over a review of the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) initiated by NOAA Fisheries in November 2023.
In a letter, the organizations called on the federal government to expand SIMP to all seafood imports, but expressed concern in NOAA Fisheries’ ability to pursue and execute that goal.
“It’s unacceptable that the current agency responsible for the future of the Seafood Import Monitoring Program is one that has failed to implement the program as it was intended – to detect and deter IUU products from entering U.S. commerce,” Oceana Campaign Director Max Valentine said. “We need an open and honest review process that involves the White House, one that has the best intentions of our oceans, as well as fishers, businesses, and seafood consumers.”
The 12 signatories are Azul, Climate Crisis Policy, Conservation International, Creation Justice Ministries, Greenpeace USA, Oceana, Oxfam, Remineralize the Earth, Taproot Earth, The Earth Bill, International Corporate Accountability Roundtable (ICAR), and the World Wildlife Fund.
“It is deeply troubling that NOAA has yet to provide any information about the SIMP review process, including the purpose and goals of this review and the timeline for completion,” ICAR Deputy Director David McKean said. “It is time for the White House to get involved. Consumers have been clear that they want seafood that is environmentally sustainable and free of forced labor or other human rights abuses.”