Hello,
I have been lurking on this list for quite some time. If I remember the
description of the list correctly, my post should be appropriate. If not,
please accept my apologies, and if I could be pointed in the correct
direction, I would greatly appreciate it.
I purchase the frozen seafood for the animal collection here at the New
Jersey State Aquarium. These are the major items we use in decreasing
quantity:
Male capelin
Herring or mackerel (7%-12% fat, ¼ lb - 1/3 lb or 110 g - 150 g)
Illex squid
I am presently purchasing a years supply and having it shipped to a local
freezer warehouse. I have found this to be the most cost effective method,
since I am able to store it for less than the distributors. In the past 12
months I have had quality issues and/or problems acquiring all 3 of the
major foods we feed. I have had to return large quantities of capelin and
herring (10,000 + lbs, 4500 kg) because these items do not meet the USDA
guidelines for marine mammals. This is a major headache for all involved.
I can not remember having these problems in the past.
Where can I find out information about the overall condition of these
fisheries, regulations pertaining to these fisheries (I heard that Canada
has reduced the quota of capelin by 40%; true?), quantity and quality of a
years catch, packers/distributors for these items and problems they may be
having as they put up their product or packers who consistently put up a
quality product? I had attributed some of this to pure coincidence and bad
luck, but when I ran into another problem just recently, I thought something
must be up. I have used distributors that we have always used in the past,
but I did use a new one this year. I thought I did my due diligence on
researching the new vendor, but it didn't work out.
All of these fisheries are from the Mid-Atlantic to the North Atlantic.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your assistance
Sincerely,
Dave Littlehale
Records and Safety Manager
New Jersey State Aquarium
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