American Seafoods, a major frozen-at-sea processor of wild Alaska pollock and wild Pacific hake, has released its 2023 annual sustainability report, detailing its efforts in environmental and social responsibility to protect the environment.
Einar Gustafsson, CEO of the Seatle-based corporation, said upon the report’s April 18 release that he’s “thrilled with the progress American Seafoods has made with achieving key sustainability metrics” as the company remains in the forefront of innovation in the seafood industry.
Highlights of the report include maintaining 100% third-party eco-certification for all American Seafood catch and achieving a 99% target catch rate in the Alaska pollock fishery, a nearly 1% increase from the prior year.
The report also documents that harvesting wild Alaska pollock and wild Pacific hake result in a fraction of the carbon emissions compared to tofu, chicken, pork and beef.
The company produced 354,037 gallons of fish oil biodiesel, avoiding 227 metric tons of CO2e emissions, recycled over 86,000 pounds of end-of-life and recovered ghost fishing gear, and also donated over $525,000 to Alaska communities, food banks and academic institutions, according to the report.
“We have a deep appreciation of the marine environment and a key understanding of the importance of sustainably managing our fisheries,” Gustafsson said. “These pillars are the very foundation of our success and we look forward to pushing our efforts even further to help build a cleaner and healthier planet for all.”
American Seafoods produces a diverse range of filet, surimi, roe and block product offerings, including Alaska pollock, Pacific hake, Pacific cod and yellowfin sole that added up to 1.3 billion servings of sustainable seafood in 2023.
Finished products from American Seafoods are sold worldwide through a global distribution network. The company’s signature products include whole, fillet blocks, surimi, headed and gutted fish, wild Alaska pollock roe and fish oil.