BOSTON — This Wednesday is Seafood Day on Beacon Hill, and plans are to celebrate the myriad cultural, economic, and food security benefits of the Massachusetts fishing industry.
Seafood Day is being held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Massachusetts State House Hall of Flags in a building were a wooden Sacred Cod effigy, highlighting the importance of the cod fishery to the commonwealth, has for centuries hung in the House of Representatives’ chamber.
State Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, D-Gloucester, will be honored with the Finest Kind Award, a significant honor within the seafood industry, according to Fishing Partnership Support Services.
Seafood Day plans to bring together a variety of statewide fishing organizations to celebrate the contributions of the industry and emphasize the importance it has on the state’s economy. The event is sponsored by state Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, Fishing Partnership said.
Nearly 18 organizations plan to showcase to the Legislature the value the seafood industry brings to food security, job creation, tourism, and the preservation of a multigenerational way of life for many coastal communities. Attendees will be able to sample a variety of prepared local seafood and learn why the seafood industry is worthy of continued investment.
Amid remarks by event co-hosts the Massachusetts Fishermen’s Partnership, Massachusetts Seafood Collaborative, Fishing Partnership Support Services and Tarr, Ferrante will be honored with the Finest Kind Award.
“Finest Kind” is a term used by New England mariners to mean the very best and this award honors those individuals who embody the spirit of tireless service, strategic vision, and lasting effect on the fishing community.
Ferrante, a daughter of a fisherman and a school librarian and lifelong resident of Gloucester, has been a steadfast supporter of the seafood industry and its evolving needs during her career.
“Massachusetts seafood producers have fed the nation for over 400 years,” she said. “As a daughter of a fisherman, I am honored to be recognized by the industry that I grew up in and dedicated my life to supporting.”
Event co-host and president of Fishing Partnership, J.J. Bartlett, said: “Representative Ferrante has time and again been the advocate the fishing industry and fishing families deserve and continues to need. It has been an honor to work alongside her to support fishing families throughout the state.”
“Ann-Margaret has earned the highest respect and admiration from the fishing community,” said Jackie Odell, executive director of the Northeast Seafood Coalition. “She operates on a solid foundation that advocates for fairness, transparency and sound decision making. She is devoted to sustainable fisheries and resilient communities.”
Ethan Forman may be contacted at 978-675-2714, or at eforman@northofboston.com.