Salmon farmer recruits aquaculture PR veteran Hedland
Former GSA and BAP spokesperson joins Cooke’s US operation
Cooke Aquaculture USA has appointed former Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) spokesperson Steven Hedlund as its director of public affairs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Steven to Cooke Aquaculture USA in Maine,” said Cooke’s vice president of public relations, Joel Richardson.
“He brings an impressive set of skills from decades of experience in the seafood industry, and he is passionate about environmentally sustainable seafood production, promoting the benefits of aquaculture in the local food system, and preserving Maine’s heritage of a vibrant working waterfront.”
Hedlund is an experienced leader in seafood communications, public affairs, event management and media relations.
Growing workforce
The company said he will work collaboratively with fellow Cooke employees, area residents, and stakeholders on municipal, state and federal policy and opportunities to support Cooke’s growing workforce, local marine supply chain and to maximise social and economic benefits of the Maine salmon aquaculture industry.
Cooke is the only producer of ocean-raised Atlantic salmon in the US, employing more than 200 people in Maine. Since 2004, the company has operated certified freshwater hatcheries, a processing plant, and seawater farms.
Hedlund will also work with the Maine Aquaculture Association (MAA), the lead trade group connecting fishing and aquaculture seafood communities which contribute more than $3.2 billion a year to the Maine economy. In addition, he will support Cooke’s membership in the National Aquaculture Association (NAA), which provides a unified national voice for aquaculture and encourages its development in an environmentally responsible manner.
Exciting time
“I am excited to be joining Cooke at a time when US fishermen and fish farmers are working hard to help meet our country’s growing seafood demand,” said Hedlund. “There is a tremendous opportunity for Maine to lead the way with sustainable seafood production, and salmon farming is at the forefront of that opportunity.
“I’ve called Maine home for 30 years, and I’m beyond excited by the opportunity to help advance responsible seafood production in Maine by applying my experience with the Global Seafood Alliance and Best Aquaculture Practices.”
BAP is the world’s largest aquaculture certification programme.
