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The Seafood Economy Is Worth Billions—How Do Consumers Ensure Resources Are Harvested Sustainably?

Fernando Llano
/
AP
Recently delivered tuna fish lay at a fish market in downtown Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016.

Since 2009, the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation has promoted responsible harvesting practices and worked to reduce illegal fishing. 

ISSF presidentSusan Jackson, a Butler County native, said the non-profit began as a way to bring together experts around the globe to make sure everyone was “on the same page” regarding best conservation practices. These efforts have been especially important for developing and coastal countries, who have a significant stake in the market. 

Credit Courtesy of ISSF
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Courtesy of ISSF
Susan Jackson is the president of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation based in Pittsburgh.

“You have real human interests in keeping fisheries healthy,” Jackson said. “It takes some doing, but it’s definitely worth doing.”

Over the past decade, she said it’s been a challenge to regulate the specialized industry, but ultimately the organization has been able to provide resources and partnerships. The ISSF celebrated its 10th anniversary last month.

Later in the program: 

The Commonwealth Court ruled this week that it will not extend the consent decree between health care giants UPMC and Highmark. WESA’s Sarah Boden reports the judge in the case said he doesn’t have the authority to extend the 2014 order. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said he plans to appeal to the Supreme Court.

And it’s hard to start a new job or switch careers, especially when the paths to mentorship or training are unclear. The Pittsburgh-based group Pennsylvania Women Work helps these prospective employees tap into new professional networks through its “3 Cups of Coffee” mentorship program. Director of programs Susan Showalter-Bucher and program manager Taneshya Wiliams say participants are matched with volunteer mentors three times for one-hour conversations. “Mentors can really help to empower that individual, help regain the confidence that they’re lacking,” Williams says. “You see them transform in really responsible ways.” The program’s ultimate mission, according to Showalter-Bucher, is to provide valuable opportunities for women to advance in the workforce.

90.5 WESA's Katie Blackley, Meg Fair and Julia Zenkevich contributed to this program.

The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s daily news program. Tune in weekdays at 9 a.m. to hear newsmakers and innovators take an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region. Find more episodes of The Confluence here or wherever you get your podcasts.

Kiley Koscinski covers city government, policy and how Pittsburghers engage with city services. She also works as a fill-in host for All Things Considered. Kiley has previously served as a producer on The Confluence and Morning Edition.
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