Category: News

FDA Says Pregnant Women Should Eat At Least Four Times As Much Seafood As They Currently Do

Coordinated Effort Seeks to Combat Shrimp Disease

March 10, 2014- McLean, VA- The Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF) has announced sponsorship of an industry-wide research plan to identify causes and potential solutions for the shrimp disease, Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS). The research plan will receive primary support from ALLFISH, a World Bank public-private partnership organized by the International Coalition of Fisheries Associations, inthe form of a $100k grant.

SIRF Chairman Russ Mentzer believes a coordinated effort essential to understanding and resolving the pervasive shrimp disease.

“Shrimp aquaculture has weathered setbacks before,” said Mr. Mentzer. “The industry will overcome and continue to thrive as it has in the past through shared responsibility and strategic collaboration. SIRF is pleased to help lead the effort by contributing to the global project for determining the causes of EMS.”

Since first appearing in 2009, EMS has damaged shrimp stocks throughout Asia negatively impacting global supply. The EMS research plan targets the disease with scientific objectives to be undertaken by a team of leading shrimp aquaculture experts. Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) will spearhead the formation of the scientific team, striving for international representation.

“In order to properly address this disease,” said GAA President George Chamberlain, “aquaculture’s leading researchers need to come together and develop a joint approach. SIRF and ALLFISH funding elevates EMS as an industry priority. Now, the scientific community needs to band together with the same urgency to investigate EMS and share its findings with the aquaculture community.”

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The Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF) was established in 1964 to fund research grants to colleges, universities and other institutions for research related to the seafood industry and the consumers of its products. SIRF is supported entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals and companies in and related to the seafood industry

Consumer Research Used to Produce Educational Videos

Virginia Tech’s Department of Food Science and Technology is releasing research that examines consumer attitudes towards seafood culinary preparation. The work, sponsored by the Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF) was used in the development of educational videos that address gaps in consumer knowledge and barriers to purchasing seafood.

“There are many seafood lovers out there who don’t even know it yet,” said SIRF Chairman Russ Mentzer. “For some, seafood can seem challenging. This research helps identify exact consumer concerns, letting us know where the industry needs to focus our educational efforts and how to reach new customers.”

The research finds many consumers simply don’t know how to buy and prepare seafood at home. Further complicating things many are also confused about the health benefits. “This project epitomizes SIRF’s goals of research and action,” said Mentzer. “The research portion highlighted consumer stumbling blocks and the videos actively cover these reservations, providing the consumer with information and practical knowledge.” The online videos give viewers a synopsis of seafood’s health benefits and the various types of seafood available, in addition to demonstrations on various seafood preparation methods with advice on techniques and food safety.

To view Virginia Tech’s Department of Food Science and Technology’s SIRF sponsored online videos, follow the links:

• Selection and Cooking Basics for Preparing High Quality, Safe Seafood
• Increasing Your Confidence in Cooking High Quality, Safe Seafood

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The Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF) was established in 1964 to fund research grants to colleges, universities and other institutions for research related to the seafood industry and the consumers of its products. SIRF is supported entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals and companies in and related to the seafood industry.