Baltimore Organizations Form Unique Partnership to Create the FISH (Feeding Individuals to Support Health) Project

Scientists from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) are conducting aquaculture research at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) to develop the next generation of environmentally sustainable methods for farming marine fish of commercial importance.

In a unique collaboration between IMET, United Way of Central Maryland, McCormick, and JJ McDonnell, the FISH Project was developed to positively impact the health of the central Maryland community. The project aims to provide residents living in underserved communities with access to healthy and nutritious meal options, like fresh-cooked fish.

The initial harvest of fish is a Mediterranean bronzini, which has been grown in pristine saltwater in the IMET Aquaculture Research Center. As part of its commitment to supporting sustainable seafood sourcing, the local seafood distributor JJ McDonnell, will process and deliver the fish to local meal programs as well as to the Maryland Food Bank. The goal is to not only deliver high-quality, locally produced fish to improve people’s health, but also to educate families and individuals on how to prepare fish using low cost, healthy, flavorful ingredients.

The FISH Project was officially launched at the Franciscan Center on June 25, where patrons were served a healthy bronzini lunch.

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FISH Partners