Acme Smoked Fish Foundation has announced the second year of its Seafood Industry Climate Awards that support early-stage efforts to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. As part of the awards, three recipients will receive a $70,000 grant – up from $40,000 grants last year – to support projects that will address carbon emissions and increase diversity within the seafood industry.
Together with TD Bank as the catalyst sponsor, Builders Initiative will help support and grow the awards program over the next two years through a grant to the Acme Smoked Fish Foundation. Builders Initiative is part of Builders Vision, founded by Lukas Walton. It invests in and collaborates with organizations working towards sustainable solutions to societal and environmental challenges.
“We are thrilled to build upon our first year of the SICA awards and to welcome Builders Initiative to support ground-breaking work focused on mitigating climate change and increasing the representation of diverse members of the industry,” said Rob Snyder of Acme Smoked Fish, in a statement. “We believe that if innovators have increased attention, and access to resources, they can better position the seafood industry to be a leader in the climate movement. We’re inspired by the first cycle projects we have been able to support in the U.S., Canada, and Chile, and look forward to reviewing future applications.”
The application for the awards is open to North American applicants through November 2. Award criteria includes the impact a project can make on reducing the carbon footprint of the seafood industry; a demonstrated plan with a clear approach and time-bound goals; and a focus on improving seafood industry diversity (women, people of color and marginalized communities).
Last year’s recipients are making strides in their communities in Alaska and Maine with the following programs.
Lift All Boats Project: Luke’s Lobster
The Maine lobster industry faces many challenges; among them the rising cost of fuel, the related carbon emissions, as well as the lack of diversity. These challenges are representative of fisheries more broadly in the U.S., and the Lift All Boats program is taking on these challenges and demonstrating a path forward that is inclusive and climate positive.
Energy Sustainability of Mi'kmaq RAS Hatchery Using Solar Power: Mi’kmaq Nation
The Mi’kmaq Nation in Northern Maine is coupling renewable energy with its Recirculating Aquaculture System to farm Eastern Brook Trout and address the food security needs of the community. By installing solar panels on its farm and hatchery, it aims to buffer disruptions to its food system brought on by climate change.
ALFA BETA: Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association Boat Energy Transition Accelerator
Fuel usage in wild capture fisheries contribute significantly to carbon emission and high costs in the seafood industry. The ALFA BETA SICA Award takes on this challenge, piloting technology that will lead the way for the electrification of the SE Alaska Troll and Long Line Fleet.
The Acme Smoked Fish Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that was founded in 2021 in honor of the late Eric Caslow, co-chairman of Acme and a leader in the seafood industry for more than fifty years. Support for the Seafood Industry Climate Award comes from Acme Smoked Fish Corp., TD Bank, Builders Initiative along with other companies and individuals.
Related: TikTok Fuels Tinned Fish Trend; Ukraine to Sue Over Food Import Bans.