SIRF Marks 60th Anniversary, Raises $84,270 for John Connelly Memorial Fund
In 2024, the Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF), overseen by the National Fisheries Institute (NFI), commemorates its 60th anniversary. SIRF offers grants to universities and various institutions to support research endeavors concerning the seafood industry and its consumers.
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"SIRF Marks 60th Anniversary Supported by Industry Contributions"
The Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF), managed by the National Fisheries Institute (NFI), celebrates its six decades of existence in 2024. Entirely reliant on donations from individuals and companies within the aquaculture and wild-caught seafood sectors, SIRF plays a crucial role in funding research initiatives related to the seafood industry and consumer trends.
Acknowledging SIRF's significant contributions, NFI President and CEO Lisa Wallenda Picard emphasized the organization's often underestimated impact on advancing knowledge and progress within the seafood community. Over the years, SIRF has raised more than $4 million, facilitating over 400 research grants and resulting in the publication of numerous research papers.
Projects funded by SIRF prioritize practical, science-based research with direct relevance to industry challenges. For instance, recent endeavors have addressed concerns regarding irradiation's impact on vitamin D stability in finfish and explored strategies to minimize seafood byproduct waste. These initiatives aim to enhance food safety, sustainability, and resource utilization within the seafood sector.
SIRF's commitment to supporting impactful research extends beyond funding, ensuring research outcomes are accessible to the broader community. Additionally, the organization continues to foster partnerships and initiatives that drive innovation and sustainability within the seafood industry.
Celebrating a decade of its annual Soiree fundraiser, SIRF recently raised $84,270 for the John P. Connelly Memorial Fund during its 2024 Global Seafood Market Conference in Orlando, Florida. Established in September 2023, the memorial fund honors Connelly's legacy, who served as NFI's president from 2003 to 2022.