A Commitment to Cultural and Environmental Stewardship
In the modern seafood industry, sustainability extends beyond environmental metrics and carbon footprints. It also involves people, their histories, traditions, and way of life. For Pacific Seafood, building meaningful, long-term partnerships with tribal nations has become a cornerstone of its mission. These tribal partnerships reflect a shared mission: protect marine resources, uplift communities, and honour centuries-old traditions.
These collaborations exemplify how the seafood industry can support, not disrupt, cultural resilience.
Working With, Not Around, Tribal Sovereignty
Pacific carries deep respect for tribal sovereignty by:
- Negotiating directly with tribal governments
- Following co-management protocols
- Sharing scientific data to support mutual goals
Some of the most impactful partnerships include work with Columbia River communities and coastal nations in Washington and Oregon, where Pacific works alongside tribal governments to manage fisheries that have sustained Indigenous communities for centuries.
Economic Opportunity With Integrity
Economic development is an integral part of tribal self-determination, but it can’t come at the expense of sovereignty or sustainability. Pacific Seafood supports tribal fisheries in ways that boost opportunity while preserving independence.
Through fair, transparent purchase agreements and processing services, Pacific helps tribal fisheries:
- Gain stable market access
- Increase product traceability
- Meet sustainability certification standards
This supports tribal economic development while preserving autonomy.
Joint Sustainability Projects
One of the most exciting aspects of these partnerships is the fusion of Western marine science and Indigenous ecological knowledge. Together, they’re building smarter and more holistic ways to protect ocean ecosystems.
Pacific and tribal partners collaborate on:
- Salmon habitat restoration
- Shellfish water quality monitoring
- Gear innovation to reduce bycatch
These initiatives not only help fish stocks but also build trust, deepen knowledge exchange, and create long-term models for climate adaptation.
Education and Youth Engagement
To sustain these partnerships for the next generation, Pacific also invests in education and youth leadership development.
That includes:
- Funding scholarship programs and internships
- Hosting joint events and learning programs
- Supporting tribal seafood festivals and cultural events
These pathways help connect tribal youth with opportunities in seafood careers and environmental science, offering young people a chance to engage with both their heritage and modern industries.
A National Model
Federal agencies and industry groups view Pacific’s tribal partnerships as a model for ethical collaboration. The company’s approach strikes a balance between economic goals and respect for history and habitat.
By aligning economic goals with cultural and ecological oversight, Pacific is revealing, in real time, how sourcing can extend beyond environmental checklists and centre on community relationships.
Strengthening Relationships
As demand for sustainably sourced seafood grows, so does the importance of Indigenous fisheries. Pacific aims to deepen existing tribal partnerships and expand into new regions where tribal fisheries play a vital role in seafood supply chains.
As these relationships grow, their goal remains the same: to protect what matters most – the people, the traditions, and the waters that sustain them. They continue to redefine what responsible seafood sourcing can look like in the 21st century.
