As Publix Super Markets celebrates National Seafood Month this year, the retailer is also commemorating an important sustainability milestone — surpassing $1 million in donations to the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP). This achievement underscores Publix’s long-standing dedication to responsible sourcing, environmental stewardship, and the protection of ocean ecosystems that support both marine life and fishing communities.
For 15 years, Publix has partnered with SFP, a global nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect ocean systems, rebuild fish populations, and ensure that commercial fisheries operate sustainably. Together, they’ve worked to advance seafood sustainability, strengthen supply chain transparency, and promote science-based solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
“Publix is proud to support SFP to bring sustainable seafood options to our customers while protecting the ecosystem and supporting those who fish,” said Guy Pizzuti, Publix Business Development Director of Seafood. “We look forward to our continued collaboration to make a difference in seafood sustainability.”
A 15-Year Commitment to Ocean Stewardship
Publix first joined forces with SFP in 2011, and since then, the company’s total contributions have exceeded $1 million, with more than $350,000 donated in the past year alone. These funds directly support projects aimed at reducing “bycatch” — the unintentional capture of non-target marine species — which remains one of the most pressing challenges in global fisheries management.
Bycatch can include species such as whales, sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds, whose accidental capture can have devastating impacts on their populations, many of which are endangered or threatened. Through its partnership with SFP, Publix helps fund innovative technologies, field training, and monitoring systems that empower fishers to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining their livelihoods.
Supporting Innovation: From Smart Buoys to Electronic Monitoring
Publix’s sustainability investments span several fisheries across North America and the Pacific, each designed to address specific challenges in marine conservation and responsible sourcing.
Monitoring Smalltooth Sawfish in Florida’s Pink Shrimp Fishery
One of Publix’s latest projects, in collaboration with SFP, focuses on the Florida pink shrimp fishery, where electronic monitoring technology is being used to study interactions with the endangered smalltooth sawfish. Publix’s funding has helped install cameras and sensors on eight commercial shrimp boats to document potential encounters with this rare species.
This real-time data collection allows scientists and fishery managers to better understand the sawfish’s habitat use and develop effective mitigation strategies to minimize contact — a vital step in preventing further decline of this critically endangered species.
Deploying Smart Buoys to Prevent Ghost Gear in Northern Waters
Another key focus of Publix’s funding is the prevention of ghost gear, a term for lost, abandoned, or discarded fishing equipment that continues to trap and harm marine life long after being left at sea. The company’s recent donations have supported the deployment of smart buoy systems in the Maine lobster and Canadian snow crab fisheries.
These GPS-enabled tracking devices attach to existing fishing gear, allowing fishers to monitor and retrieve lost traps or lines before they pose a risk to marine animals — particularly the North Atlantic right whale, one of the most endangered whale species in the world. In addition to protecting wildlife, these technologies also help fishers reduce economic losses by recovering valuable equipment and maintaining cleaner, safer oceans.
Reducing Bycatch in the Eastern Pacific Mahi-Mahi Fishery
Publix’s partnership with SFP extends far beyond North America. Through the Global Mahi Supply Chain Roundtable, the company has contributed to efforts to reduce bycatch in the Eastern Pacific Ocean mahi-mahi fishery. This fishery, vital to coastal economies in Latin America, faces challenges with bycatch of endangered, threatened, and protected species.
Funding from Publix helps train local fishers on sustainable fishing practices, provides access to innovative gear and monitoring tools, and supports certification programs that recognize fisheries meeting high environmental standards. These initiatives not only safeguard marine biodiversity but also promote economic resilience by ensuring that the fishery remains viable for future generations.
Driving Consumer Awareness and Responsible Choices
Publix’s approach to seafood sustainability extends from the fishing docks to its store shelves. The retailer emphasizes responsibly sourced seafood options and transparent labeling, empowering customers to make informed choices that align with their values.
In celebration of National Seafood Month, Publix is encouraging shoppers to explore “seafood swaps” — creative meal ideas that highlight sustainable seafood as the centerpiece of nutritious and flavorful dishes. The initiative aims to inspire consumers to enjoy seafood responsibly while learning about the environmental impact of their food choices.
Publix also provides extensive educational resources on its corporate social responsibility (CSR) website, where customers can learn about sustainable sourcing practices, the company’s collaboration with organizations like SFP, and its broader efforts to support healthy oceans and coastal communities.
A Broader Commitment to Sustainability and Community
Beyond seafood, Publix has made sustainability a cornerstone of its operations. The company’s environmental initiatives include reducing food waste, improving packaging sustainability, and expanding renewable energy use. Publix also supports local farmers and suppliers, helping build resilient regional food systems that benefit both producers and consumers.
With more than 260,000 associates and 1,424 stores across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky, Publix remains the largest employee-owned company in the United States. For 28 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the best places to work, reflecting its commitment to both people and the planet.
Casting a Vision for the Future of Sustainable Seafood
As Publix and the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership look ahead, their shared mission continues to evolve toward even greater impact. The focus remains on innovation, collaboration, and education — empowering fisheries to adopt sustainable methods while ensuring customers have access to responsibly harvested seafood.
Through initiatives that combine cutting-edge technology, on-the-water research, and community engagement, Publix is helping to redefine what it means to be a sustainable grocer in the 21st century. Its ongoing investments in SFP-led projects show that responsible seafood sourcing is not just a business decision — it’s a commitment to ocean health, biodiversity, and future generations.
As National Seafood Month serves as a reminder of the oceans’ vital role in global food systems, Publix’s 15-year partnership with SFP stands as a shining example of how collaboration between the private sector and nonprofits can create lasting, measurable change.
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