WASA Luncheon
The Wild Alaska Sole Association (WASA) held a Flatfish Luncheon and tour of the NORTH STAR on August 17th at the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) International Marketing Committee meeting at Glacier Fish Company’s office at Terminal 91 (Port of Seattle).
WASA Luncheon at ASMI International Marketing Committee meeting
Frank O’Hara III, ASMI International Committee Member, provided a recap of the event: Pat Shanahan, executive director of WASA, provided a great presentation on Yellowfin Sole and opportunities in worldwide markets, followed by an introduction from Ms. Park, CEO of Fishermen’s Finest, on all the Amendment 80 (A80) companies, fishery, flatfish, and the lunch she and WASA were preparing for the ASMI International Committee meeting.
Ms. Park and Chef David Putaportiwon
Jim Johnson, president of North Star Fishing Co. updated ASMI on the newest addition to the A80 fleet and how important these new investments are for the future of our fishery and our fleet. He also reminded all the marketers in the room why it will be important to add value to our flatfish production.
Ms. Park addresses the ASMI IMC meeting regarding WASA and Amendment 80
Ms. Park was behind the frying pan working through connections with a well-respected restaurant, Seastar, and arranged three different types of yellowfin sole, along with sides, to feed around 50 people:
· Simple with salt and pepper
· Panko fried
· Truffle sauced fillet dish (fan favorite - white tablecloth worthy)
Once lunch was over Jim Johnson arranged a top-to-bottom tour of the NORTH STAR. Directly after the tour, the NORTH STAR sailed for Alaska to resume fishing Yellowfin Sole.
WASA provided the launching pad for flatfish marketing at this ASMI International Marketing meeting; there were ASMI reps from Germany, eastern EU, Japan, China, UK, Spain/Italy/Greece/Portugal, and Latin America among the key International Marketing Committee staff from Alaska.
Read more about Yellowfin Sole and the Amendment 80 fleet:
Best Fish Sandwich - LA Times