Every fall, the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions brings together sustainability experts from leading non-profits, businesses, foundations, and academia to dig into emerging trends, highlight solutions, share achievements, and forge partnerships in the responsible seafood movement. While the Conservation Alliance was initially open only to non-profit organizations, the coalition broadened its membership base to welcome seafood companies and other industry members in 2021 (and Lusamerica was one of the first companies to join their newly branded “Global Hub”).

One of the Annual Conference highlights is recognizing the incredible individuals who have made outstanding contributions in this space through their “Responsible Seafood Awards“. These leaders are nominated by their peers for their dedication, innovation, and impact in advancing the responsible seafood movement. Only three awards are presented each year: Board Member of the Year, Outstanding Contribution, and the Spirit Award.

 

We are honored Lusamerica’s Sustainability Director was awarded the 2024 Spirit Award!

Roxanne Nanninga, Founder of Blue Biome Advising and a Member of the Conservation Alliance’s board, presented the Spirit Award on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at the end of Day 1 of the Annual Conference. Every year the gathering is held in a different location and this year the setting was in beautiful (but rainy) Cancun, Mexico at the JW Mariott.

“This year’s recipient has done incredible work to showcase the power of collaboration between industry and NGOs. Nominations proudly noted his enthusiasm, his passion, and his consistent willingness to show up. We’ve all seen him at multiple Alliance events, always with the friendliest face in the room, ensuring new friends and colleagues feel included welcome, and this is exactly what the Alliance stands for. His smile and openness inspire all of us and we can’t think of anyone who better embodies the true spirit of the alliance than Peter Adame.”    — Roxanne Nanninga

Peter Adame has been managing Lusamerica’s sustainability initiatives since October 2020 but became active with the Conservation Alliance in 2016 in his former role managing outreach for the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program.

“When I started working for a seafood wholesaler, processor, and distributor called Lusamerica Foods four years ago, I
remember thinking, how am I going to stay in the loop on sustainable seafood? … and it was perfect timing when
the Alliance launched the Global Hub and opened it up to industry members. I signed Lusamerica up right away and it’s
been such a pivotal resource for me as a sustainability director ever since, and I encourage NGOs to invite their business
partners to get involved.

 

For those of you who are fortunate to be here today, it’s a great gift and I challenge you to make the most of your time by
speaking up, sharing your thoughts, and connecting with others as this conference is what we make it.

 

Lastly, I’d like to thank the Frederico’s. Fernando and Ana are two immigrants that moved from Mozambique to California
in search of the American dream and who established, expanded, and still operate Lusamerica Foods today, along with
their brothers and son. We are excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary next year and I’m honored to work for them, and
grateful they allow me to run with their company to make a positive difference in the industry, and for providing me with
the resources to be here with you all today. Thank you!”    — Peter Adame, Director of Sustainability at Lusamerica 

Learn more about the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions. It’s free to join and is a community builder in the responsible seafood movement.

 

 

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