National Fisheries Institute Becomes the National Seafood Association

Building on more than 80 years of leadership, the National Seafood Association
deepens commitment to science, education and advocacy 

RESTON, Va., Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- After more than eight decades of serving the U.S. seafood industry, the National Fisheries Institute is now the National Seafood Association. The mission of the association remains to advocate for all aspects of the seafood industry: harvesters, producers, importers, exporters, distributors and suppliers, all who play a role in bringing safe and sustainable seafood to U.S. consumers.

"National Seafood Association is a name that aligns with who we are today," said Justin Conrad, Chair of the National Seafood Association and President and CEO of Bay Hill Seafood. "Our new name honors our legacy while positioning us for the decades ahead.

"This change stemmed from the association's strategic plan and the seafood industry's critical role in feeding U.S. consumers," said Conrad.

The new identity follows more than a year of research and engagement led by the organization's Executive Committee and a rebranding subcommittee. The process included stakeholder engagement, member listening sessions, brand research and extensive evaluation of potential names before arriving at National Seafood Association.

"For more than 80 years, we've brought together businesses across the seafood value chain to advance science-based policy, educate consumers and policymakers, and champion seafood as the healthiest, most sustainable animal protein available," said Lisa Wallenda Picard, President and CEO of the National Seafood Association. "The National Seafood Association builds on that and where the seafood industry sees itself going forward."

The organization's new logo features a contemporary compass mark, symbolizing leadership, collaboration and the industry's shared direction, alongside flowing water that represents seafood's journey from source to table. The accompanying tagline — Science, Education & Advocacy since 1945 — underscores the organization's longstanding mission.

"It was important for the rebranding to honor the legacy of the association while capturing the vibrant industry we are today," said Michelle Faist, Head of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations at StarKist Co. and a member of the Rebranding Subcommittee. "Members were fully engaged in the process and made it clear how passionately they feel about their association. The result is a new name that resonates deeply with our companies."

The announcement coincides with the National Seafood Association Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where members from throughout the seafood supply chain are gathering to help shape the industry's future.

The National Seafood Association will begin rolling out its new identity across communications, programs and digital platforms during this week's events, including a celebratory reception on Sept. 16 for members and invited guests on Capitol Hill.

For more information and the branding kit, visit aboutseafood.com.

About the National Seafood Association
The National Seafood Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education about seafood safety, sustainability and nutrition. From seagoing vessels to favorite seafood restaurants, the National Seafood Association's diverse member companies bring delicious fish and shellfish to American families. The National Seafood Association promotes the federal government's Dietary Guidelines, which recommend Americans include seafood in their diets three times per week for longer, healthier lives. The National Seafood Association and its members are committed to sustainable management of our oceans and to being stewards of our environment through the National Seafood Association's embrace of the United Nations' Principles for Responsible Fisheries. The National Seafood Association believes the investment it makes in the world's oceans today will provide our children and future generations the health benefits of a plentiful supply of fish and other seafood tomorrow. From responsible aquaculture and a marketplace that supports trade to ensuring consumers and the media have the facts about the health benefits of fish and shellfish, the National Seafood Association and its members support and promote sound public policy based on ground-truth science.

SOURCE National Seafood Association