Statement of William C. Rennie, Vice President

Retailers Association of Massachusetts

Before the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture

July 9, 2009

Re:      H.746, An Act Relative to the Posting of Fish Advisories

The Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM), established in 1920, is a statewide trade association of over 3,100 member companies.  Our membership ranges from independent, “mom and pop” owned stores to larger, national chains operating in the general retail, restaurant and service sectors of the retail industry.  The industry's contributions to the Commonwealth include over $112 billion in annual sales; over $5.7 billion in annual sales and use taxes collected; 17% of all Massachusetts jobs; and operations in over 38,000 locations across the state.

RAM opposes H.746, An Act Relative to the Posting of Fish Advisories, which would adversely impact our member food stores, seafood stores and restaurants.  Preservation and protection of the public health is and always has been a priority for the membership of RAM.  This legislation, however, simply goes too far.  Existing federal law and regulatory efforts already in place are thoroughly and adequately protecting the interests of the public with regard to this issue. 

The ramifications of this proposed legislation for local businesses and the Massachusetts fishing industry could be severe.  Warnings of this type must only be addressed uniformly, through the comprehensive and scientifically-based actions of federal regulators.  Warnings on fish must be uniform across our country and thorough debate is warranted on whether such warnings are necessary--and if so, how they are delivered.  The federal government remains the appropriate authority to address this issue as federal regulations are applied and enforced uniformly and consistently across town and state lines. 

Additionally, the impact on shifting consumer consumption away from healthy seafood to other, less healthy options must be fully considered.  Mercury in fish is an important issue that has in recent years attracted national attention.  While scientific and health experts' opinions often differ on the potential harm in consuming certain fish, RAM urges the members of the Committee to be mindful of the “spill over” effect that this legislation may have in decreasing consumption of important nutritional seafood with proven health benefits.  

I thank you for the opportunity to comment and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you in your deliberations.