New position will help coordinate sustainability work

April 2, 2012 Washington, DC After several months of searching, the National Fisheries Institute Crab Council has found a liaison to help carry on its sustainability mission in Asia. Jeremy Crawford, previously a business development manager in the blue swimming crab industry, will be a crucial part of growing the coalitions sustainability work.

As the NFI Crab Council expands its sustainability projects, hiring an advocate to coordinate efforts on the ground was the logical next step for us, said NFI Crab Council Chair Ed Rhodes of Phillips Foods. Jeremy will be an advocate for our policy initiatives and an ally of our sustainability partners in the area.

Crawford officially started work April first but is already well-versed in the blue swimming crab industry having been around it for most of his life. Before taking on this position, he worked throughout the blue crab value chain on logistics, quality assurance and product safety in India. Additionally, Crawford headed client relations and helped lead management compliance on HACCP issues in Thailand. He also holds a masters in business administration.

As the NFI Crab Council Asia liaison, Crawford will be responsible for maintaining and building relationships with the local trade associations, government officials and various stakeholders working on fisheries improvements. He will also serve as a resource on blue crab sustainability efforts and work to educate agencies on sustainable crab management practices. Although centrally located in Thailand, Crawfords duties will take him to the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Im looking forward to working with a group that is leading the way in blue swimming crab sustainability, Crawford said. As the Councils boots on the ground, Ill work to ensure it has a strong voice that will continue to support and protect this important resource throughout the region.

This position was made possible by a generous grant from the Walton Family Foundation as part of its commitment to Blue Swimming Crab sustainability work.

Contact Information

Gavin Gibbons
(703) 752-8891
ggibbons@nfi.org