The founders of the non-profit Boston Fisheries Foundation are concerned that the Boston Fish Pier, which has been operating continuously since 1914, is under increasing pressure from real estate development, environmental shifts in the oceans, and from regulations that make it difficult for many fishing families to survive from season to season. “We have to work together to sustain and support our fish and our fishing families or iconic fishing centers like the Boston Fish Pier may disappear,” says Robert Nagle, co-founder of Boston Fisheries Foundation and Vice President of Operations at the 125-year-old family-owned John Nagle Co.
“In New England’s economy, many local jobs depend on sustainable fishing. Local fishermen have taken many steps to enhance rebuilding of fish stocks, resulting in a number of fisheries becoming more abundant again,” says Nagle. “The festival will give visitors a chance to sample many of those local species that are now rebuilt and sustainable as a result of years of dedicated sacrifice and hard work,” Nagle continued. “But effective conservation needs everyone––environmentalists, producers, the marketplace, scientists, and consumers. Sustainability requires coordination and ongoing dialogue that leads to action. That’s what the Boston Fisheries Foundation is all about.”
Why have a seafood festival? Co-founder Joe Zanti, owner of Yankee Lobster Co, explains, “We want to offer a fun day to enjoy one of New England’s most important natural resources in a responsible and enjoyable way. We’ll be celebrating our maritime heritage together, and eating some really good food!”
The Boston Fisheries Foundation hopes to share Boston’s outstanding seafood bounty with locals
and visitors alike. BFF president and co-founder Chris Basile, owner of Quarterdeck Seafood Market, explains, “Whether you love the most traditional or the most adventurous seafood, you will find it at the festival. We are really excited to share our love of seafood with the public.”
The Boston Seafood Festival will offer a clambake that will include lobster, steamers and all the fixins. Seafood tastings from area restaurants will also be available and Harpoon will be on hand serving up frosty brew. There will also be cooking and fish filleting demonstrations, and an oyster shucking contest.
Executive Chef and Food Service Consultant Jeff Mushin of JM Consulting and Epicurean Club of Boston who is coordinating the participation of local chefs in the festival adds, “The chefs are incredibly excited about the chance to interact with people face-to-face, answer questions, and share delicious new dishes.”
Participating chefs include:
• Jose Duarte, Taranta
• Rich Garcia, 606 Congress
• Nicholas Calias, Colonnade Hotel
• Michael Aprea, Red Parrot
• Mark Allen, Pinebrook Country Club
• Bill Bradley, New England Aquarium
• Jay Murray, Grill 23
• Basil Freddura, The Daily Catch
The festival will be an educational event as well. Many fishing related organizations from around New England will be on hand, eager to interact and share their knowledge with festival attendees. Some of the organizations are: Ocean Trust, the Blue Water Fishermen’s Association, Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association, Saving Seafood, Laura Hartung, local Registered Dietitian, and many other organizations from all the fishing ports of Massachusetts and New England.
Tickets can be purchased on the organization’
Ticket prices are as follows: children under 12 free, students: $8, adults: $10. Net proceeds benefit the Boston Fisheries Foundation.
