Bill Mook, of Mook Sea Farm in Walpole, Maine, is one of four finalists for the 2017 Seafood Champion Award for Advocacy, SeaWeb recently announced. A panel of seafood sustainability experts from industry and nonprofit organizations based in Asia, Europe, and North America recognized Mook for his work in modeling how shellfish growers everywhere can address the threat of ocean and coastal acidification. He has become a resource for hatchery and farm operators in the U.S. and abroad, counseling them on how to avoid losses and exchanging innovative ideas for protecting the industry. Mook is an advocate for the idea that environmental health is critical for the growth of aquaculture.

The annual Seafood Champion Awards program, now in its 11th year, recognizes individuals and organizations for excellence in promoting environmentally responsible seafood. There are 16 finalists in four categories: Advocacy, Leadership, Innovation, and Vision. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on June 5 at the SeaWeb Seafood Summit in Seattle.

“This year’s finalists have a global perspective, whether they act locally or at a broader level,” said Mark Spalding, president of SeaWeb and The Ocean Foundation. “Improving seafood’s sustainability requires addressing difficult political, technical, social and economic questions. To create change, you have to forge alliances and bring people together around a common cause. These are not easy things to do, but the Champions on this list have forged ahead and are making real progress.” One of Mook’s near-term advocacy goals is to establish a coalition of small businesses who support the idea that a healthy environment is crucial for sustainable economic growth.

The Seafood Champion Award for Advocacy recognizes the promotion of sustainability, use of the media to raise the profile of sustainable seafood, work to strengthen public policy and resource allocations, and championing of advances in sustainable seafood.

For more information on the awards and finalists, go to www.seafoodchampions.org. For more information on the awards ceremony and the Seafood Summit, go to www.seafoodsummit.org.