Sustainable Seafood

by Sue Ann Colvin

Our oceans are in trouble, we are all aware of the problems caused by oil spills, pollution and over-fishing. It is good to know that something is being done and that many fishery companies are leading the way towards a more sustainable seafood industry.

Recently Connorsa SA, the supplier of our delectable seafood line: Matiz Gallego sardines, pulpo and berberechos obtained certification from the Marine Stewardship Council for Connorsa's sustainability practices from boat to plate. The Marine Stewardship Council's mission is to promote sustainable fishing practices around the world. According to their website the "MSC operates a certification and ecolabel program based on a scientifically robust standard for assessing whether wild-capture fisheries are ecologically sustainable and well-managed."

We are proud to be a part of the business culture that embraces our impact on the environment and is proactive in seeking solutions.

Connorsa SA Canning facility

Connorsa is located in Vigo (pronounced biɣo) on the Atlantic coast of Spain, in the province of Galicia, north of Portugal. Strangely enough, the weather is similar to ours here in the Northwest with drier summers and wet, rainy winters.

The town overlooks the ocean and fishing is a way of life, as it has been since recorded history.

One of our most prized seafood is our Matiz Gallego sardines in olive oil and with lemon. The sardine is a small soft boned fish related to the herring. The sardine gets its name from Sardinia, where they were once abundantly caught.

Sardines swim in large schools near the surface of the water. Sardines are a very small fish averaging about 10 inches at full growth. Because of their short life span (about 6 years) and size they tend to contain less mercury and PCB  than other seafood. Once an American diet staple, they fell out of favor due to over fishing and were replaced by tuna as an inexpensive seafood.

Hand canning

Today, environmentalists and nutritionists alike are touting the sardine as a perfect seafood due to sustainable fishing practices and the high omega-3 fatty acids and high B12 levels which contribute to a healthy body.

Try this recipe for a healthy summer salad.

Quick Sardine Salad

2 packages Matiz Gallego Sardines
One bell pepper-sliced round (for bowl)
Capers
Rey de la Vera Pimenton

Chop the sardines and mix with capers in a medium sized bowl, line the bowl with the sliced pepper. Sprinkle with Pimenton.

Serve with Tortas de Aceite, a traditional Spanish crisp bread made with 24% Spanish olive oil.