Publix Deepens Its Commitment to Ocean Conservation With Sustainable Fisheries Partnership
As National Seafood Month shines a spotlight on responsible fishing practices, Publix is marking a major milestone in its long-standing partnership with the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP). Now entering its 15th year of collaboration with the nonprofit, Publix reaffirms its commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable seafood for its customers and communities.
A 15-Year Commitment to Sustainability
Publix’s relationship with SFP began in 2011, rooted in a shared mission to ensure the future of healthy oceans and thriving fisheries. Over the years, Publix has contributed more than $1 million to SFP, including over $350,000 in recent donations that directly support initiatives aimed at reducing “bycatch”—the unintended capture of non-target species such as turtles, dolphins, sharks, whales, and seabirds.
Bycatch is a significant challenge in global fisheries, often leading to the decline of endangered, threatened, and protected marine species. Publix’s funding enables SFP and its partners to provide commercial fishers with advanced technology and training to minimize these unintended impacts, fostering more sustainable fishing practices across key seafood supply chains.
“Publix is proud to support SFP to bring sustainable seafood options to our customers while protecting ocean ecosystems and supporting those who fish for their livelihoods,” said Guy Pizzuti, Publix Business Development Director of Seafood. “We look forward to continuing this important work to make a lasting difference in seafood sustainability.”
Protecting Florida’s Endangered Smalltooth Sawfish
One of the most impactful SFP initiatives supported by Publix focuses on the Florida pink shrimp fishery, where the company is helping fund a study on interactions with the endangered smalltooth sawfish. Through this project, electronic monitoring cameras and sensors are being installed on eight fishing vessels.
These high-tech tools help researchers identify when and where sawfish encounters occur, allowing fishers to adjust practices and avoid contact with the species. The data gathered will help guide more responsible fishing methods, ultimately contributing to the recovery of this rare and threatened animal.
Tackling Ghost Gear With Smart Technology
Publix’s sustainability efforts also extend to preventing one of the ocean’s most persistent problems—ghost gear, or lost and abandoned fishing equipment that continues to trap and kill marine life. The company is backing projects in the Maine lobster and Canadian snow crab fisheries that deploy smart buoy systems equipped with GPS tracking.
These devices allow fishers to monitor and recover their gear in real time, preventing entanglement of vulnerable species such as the North Atlantic right whale, one of the most endangered whale species in the world. Beyond protecting wildlife, the initiative also helps reduce habitat damage, ensuring that fisheries can operate responsibly while preserving marine biodiversity.
Advancing Sustainable Mahi-Mahi Fishing in the Pacific
In another critical project, Publix is working with SFP and the Global Mahi Supply Chain Roundtable to promote sustainable fishing practices in the Eastern Pacific Ocean mahi-mahi fishery. This collaboration aims to reduce bycatch and protect endangered and threatened species in one of the world’s most productive fishing regions.
Through training programs, practical tools, and recognition initiatives, Publix and its partners are helping empower local fishers to adopt innovative methods that protect marine ecosystems while supporting their livelihoods. The effort reflects Publix’s broader philosophy: sustainability should benefit both people and the planet.
A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship
Publix’s ongoing partnership with SFP is just one part of its broader corporate sustainability strategy. The company’s initiatives align with its mission to serve communities responsibly, protect natural resources, and ensure that customers can enjoy high-quality seafood without compromising the health of the oceans.
Beyond its work with SFP, Publix continues to celebrate National Seafood Month by encouraging consumers to explore “seafood swaps”—delicious, sustainable meal ideas that highlight responsible seafood choices. Shoppers can also learn more about Publix’s conservation efforts and seafood sourcing standards on its corporate social responsibility site, which details the company’s progress and partnerships in environmental protection.
About Publix
Headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, Publix Super Markets, Inc. is the largest employee-owned company in the United States, with more than 260,000 associates and 1,424 stores across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky.
For 28 consecutive years, Publix has been recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the nation’s Great Places to Work, reflecting its deep commitment to employee satisfaction, community service, and ethical business practices.
In the grocery industry, Publix is widely respected for its dedication to quality, customer service, and environmental responsibility. The company’s enduring partnership with SFP underscores that commitment, demonstrating how corporate and nonprofit collaboration can create measurable change in global seafood sustainability.
As Publix continues to expand its efforts, its leadership in sustainable seafood sourcing stands as a model for the retail and food sectors. Through its support of ocean conservation projects, technological innovation, and fisher education, Publix is proving that protecting the planet’s marine ecosystems and delivering exceptional products to customers can—and must—go hand in hand.
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