The Port of New Bedford Harbor Development Commission (HDC), New Bedford, Mass., unveiled its newly created New Bedford Seafood brand.

“Outside of our region, few people know how important New Bedford and our fishing industry is to providing sustainable, fresh, delicious fish to buyers and consumers everywher,” says Ed Anthes-Washburn, port director. “The fishing industry and our waterfront is the cultural, economic and political center of our region. We think it’s important to showcase New Bedford’s seafood at the same level as other brands like Alaskan salmon or Maine lobster.” 

In addition to the new logo, the HDC worked with students from UMass Dartmouth’s Charlton College of Business, North Dartmouth, Mass., and Moore & Isherwood Communications, New Bedford, Mass., to develop a website wher national and international buyers can browse New Bedford’s processors and fish houses and the seafood they sell.

In the future, the HDC has plans to work with local restaurants and fish markets to further identify locally-landed fish and seafood for local residents in an effort to highlight some of the underutilized species, or less popular fish, that land in local waters.

“Wild-caught seafood landed in New Bedford is among the last wild protein available to consumers,” says Anthes-Washburn. “It’s healthy, sustainably managed, and by purchasing it, you’re supporting local fishermen that reinvest in our communities. One of the easiest ways to support our local fishermen is to engage with people in the industry, try new species and ask about different menu items or suggestions.”