National Fisheries Institute and U.S. Tuna Foundation to Merge

Seafood Community Gains Stronger Voice for Seafood Health Benefits

WASHINGTON, March 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and U.S. Tuna Foundation (USTF) today announced the merger of the two organizations. The combined organization will strengthen the seafood community's ability to educate Americans about the health benefits of seafood. It will operate as a single organization.

"Scientific evidence continues to mount that American families should eat more seafood," said NFI President John Connelly. "We must educate the public about the importance of increasing fish consumption, including canned and pouch tuna. NFI members welcome Bumble Bee Foods LLC, Chicken of the Sea International, and StarKist Seafood, which sell more than 90 percent of shelf- stable tuna enjoyed in this country. By joining forces, the seafood community will amplify our common message for the American consumer: Seafood is essential to a healthy diet."

USTF President Anne Forristall Luke said, "USTF members share NFI's goal to help Americans eat more fish by supplying them with affordable, delicious and healthy proteins. As one of the most popular fish enjoyed in the U.S., tuna contributes to growth of the seafood category. The proteins, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids packed in tuna contribute to heart health and brain development throughout life. Tuna companies look forward to working with our partners in the seafood community to educate the public about the value of our foods to every person's healthy diet."

NFI will establish a Tuna Council, comprised initially of Bumble Bee, Chicken of the Sea and StarKist. The Tuna Council will focus its energies on issues specific to tuna and be funded through a special assessment of the participating companies.

Connelly will lead the combined organization at NFI's offices in McLean, Virginia. Forristall Luke will help lead the transition and implementation of the merger. NFI and USTF expect the integration to be completed in spring 2007.

For more than 60 years, the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and its members have provided American families with the variety of sustainable seafood essential to a healthy diet. For more information visit: http://www.aboutseafood.com/

The U.S. Tuna Foundation (USTF) was established in 1976 to be the representative voice of the U.S. canned tuna industry - including the U.S. tuna fleet and the U.S. canned tuna processors, StarKist Foods, Bumble Bee Foods, LLC and Chicken of the Sea International. For more information, visit: http://www.tunafoundation.org/

Source: National Fisheries Institute