GLOUCESTER, MA – The Energy Efficient Fisheries project has released two videos highlighting energy efficiency practices in Massachusetts seafood businesses. Mullaney’s Harborside Fish Market in Scituate and Gorton’s Seafood in Gloucester are featured in the videos. 

“By working with Mass Save and National Grid on energy efficiency projects, Gorton’s has reduced its gas and electricity usage by 5%, with 3-year paybacks or less,” says David Gazda, Operations Manager for Gorton’s Seafood in Gloucester. 

“Energy efficiency is the right thing to do. Reducing our carbon emissions is important for the fisheries and it pays for itself through energy bill savings,” says Joby Norton, owner of Mullaney’s Harborside Fish Market in Scituate.

The videos have been produced to promote the Energy Efficient Fisheries (EEF) project, funded by Congress thanks to Senator Ed Markey and Senator Elizabeth Warren to promote energy efficiency measures. All Massachusetts seafood businesses are eligible for free EEF energy advising services to research energy saving options. 

EEF is a project hosted by Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Development Programs and led by an advisory committee representing large and small seafood businesses and all the major fisheries and gear types across Massachusetts. 

“The fishermen asked us for help to reduce their fuel costs and we are excited to be able to offer energy advising services to Massachusetts seafood businesses,” said Angela Sanfilippo, president of Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Development Programs. “Saving fishing and seafood businesses money while reducing global warming pollution are the twin goals of our Energy Efficient Fisheries program. The fishing industry is continuing to do our part to conserve our oceans and fishing heritage while enthusiastically participating in the energy revolution.” 

Energy efficiency is one of the easiest ways to reduce fixed costs in a fishing or seafood business, and there are many state and federal tax incentives available to support these actions. Shore-based businesses can also save by investing in renewable energy and electric vehicles. Low-carbon propulsion systems and other alternative systems may become more economically viable for fishing vessels in the near future, and EEF is at the forefront of on-the-water innovation. “Shrinking overhead while reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a win-win-win for a business’s bottom line, the ocean resources we all depend on, and our coastal communities that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change,” said Loie Hayes, shoreside outreach consultant for EEF.

The Mullaney’s video was produced by Green Energy Consumers Alliance, which supports EEF as part of its mission to empower consumers and communities to speed a just transition to a zero-carbon world. The Gorton’s video was produced by Cape Ann Climate Coalition with funding from Mass Save. Cape Ann Climate Coalition supports EEF as part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on Cape Ann. The videos are now viewable at https://www.energyefficient.fish/shore-based-businesses.

Seafood businesses may participate in EEF energy advising programs by filling out the form at https://www.energyefficient.fish/shore-based-businesses or by calling 617-380-4741.

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Contact: 
Angela Sanfilippo, Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Development Programs, 978-821-1590
Loie Hayes, Energy Efficient Fisheries shoreside outreach, 617-380-4741