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By daybreak
Published: March 17, 2007
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WASHINGTON, March 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Fisheries
Institute (NFI) and U.S. Tuna Foundation (USTF) today announced the merger
of the two organizations. The combined organization will strengthen the
seafood community's ability to educate Americans about the health benefits
of seafood. It will operate as a single organization.
"Scientific evidence continues to mount that American families should
eat more seafood," said NFI President John Connelly. "We must educate the
public about the importance of increasing fish consumption, including
canned and pouch tuna. NFI members welcome Bumble Bee Foods LLC, Chicken of
the Sea International, and StarKist Seafood, which sell more than 90
percent of shelf- stable tuna enjoyed in this country. By joining forces,
the seafood community will amplify our common message for the American
consumer: Seafood is essential to a healthy diet."
USTF President Anne Forristall Luke said, "USTF members share NFI's
goal to help Americans eat more fish by supplying them with affordable,
delicious and healthy proteins. As one of the most popular fish enjoyed in
the U.S., tuna contributes to growth of the seafood category. The proteins,
vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids packed in tuna contribute to heart health
and brain development throughout life. Tuna companies look forward to
working with our partners in the seafood community to educate the public
about the value of our foods to every person's healthy diet."
NFI will establish a Tuna Council, comprised initially of Bumble Bee,
Chicken of the Sea and StarKist. The Tuna Council will focus its energies
on issues specific to tuna and be funded through a special assessment of
the participating companies.
Connelly will lead the combined organization at NFI's offices in
McLean, Virginia. Forristall Luke will help lead the transition and
implementation of the merger. NFI and USTF expect the integration to be
completed in spring 2007.
For more than 60 years, the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and its
members have provided American families with the variety of sustainable
seafood essential to a healthy diet. For more information visit
http://www.AboutSeafood.com.
The U.S. Tuna Foundation (USTF) was established in 1976 to be the
representative voice of the U.S. canned tuna industry - including the U.S.
tuna fleet and the U.S. canned tuna processors, StarKist Foods, Bumble Bee
Foods, LLC and Chicken of the Sea International. For more information,
visit http://www.tunafoundation.org



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