The Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF) Board of Directors hosted the 12th Annual SIRF Benefit Soirée on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. The elegant evening celebrated our shared commitment to advancing the seafood industry’s future through innovation and research.
The night began with a cocktail reception at 7:15 p.m., followed by a plated dinner at 8:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker Dr. Norbert Kaminski, Professor and Director of the Institute for Integrative Toxicology at Michigan State University, presented his latest research findings on the consumption of plastic particles through seafood. The presentation sparked meaningful dialogue among seafood industry leaders, partners, and friends.
Following Dr. Kaminski’s presentation, SIRF Chairman Sean O’Scannlain provided an update on SIRF-sponsored grants, including:
- Non-destructive detection of halibut quality
- Strategies to increase seafood consumption among participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program
- An economic assessment of the potential impact of proposed shipbuilding fees on the industry
- Exploring the feasibility of bio-packaging development
- Ongoing efforts to secure FDA approval for finfish irradiation
The Soirée raised $29,800 in pledged donations, thanks to the generosity of dinner guests who enjoyed a memorable evening supporting seafood science and sustainability.
Special Thanks
SIRF extends heartfelt gratitude to its Board of Directors and long-time Sponsors whose dedication made this year’s soirée possible:
- Sean O’Scannlain, Fortune International — Chair & Director
- Lisa Wallenda Picard, National Fisheries Institute — Secretary & Treasurer
- Jim Bonvie, Seafax — Director
- Dan DiDonato, Unit Cold Storage — Director
- Bill Dresser, Sea Port Products — Director
- Brenna Hensley, Diversified — Director
- Jordan Mazzetta, Eddie M’s — Director
- Russell Mentzer — Director
- Larsen Mettler, S2G Ventures — Director
- Christine Ngo, H & N Group — Director
- Ben Schwartz, Harbor Seafood — Director
- Jeff Stern, CenSea — Director
- Mike Walsh, Northwest Seafoods — Director
- Jason Mulvihill, Lineage — Director
- Tom Mazzetta, Mazzetta Company – Sponsor
- Barry Markman, Mark Foods – Sponsor
- Mark Soderstrom, Southstream Seafoods – Sponsor
- Ryan Clark, The Town Dock — Sponsor
We look forward to welcoming everyone to the 13th Annual SIRF Benefit Soirée in Scottsdale, Arizona!