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EcoLogix Group Selected by State of Maryland to Serve as Project Leader for Full Assessment of the Maryland Striped Bass Fishery Under the Marine Stewardship Council Program

Annapolis, MD (March 22, 2005) - EcoLogix Group, a professional services company focused on sustainability planning and creating economic, environmental and social value, has been selected by the State of Maryland to serve as the project leader for the full assessment of the Maryland Commercial Striped Bass Fishery under the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Fishing.

The MSC is an international non-profit organization whose mandate is the long-term protection of the world’s marine fisheries and associated ecological components by promoting certified sustainable fisheries in the marketplace through the use of the MSC sustainable fisheries eco-label. There are currently 10 MSC certified fisheries worldwide. Six are in the process of being assessed and several dozen more are under review to see if they are worthy of moving into a full assessment. Consumers educated about the status of wild stocks will reward sustainable fisheries by buying their products. In 1996, the MSC established standards for well-managed and sustainable fisheries. These principles require that a fishery must not lead to over fishing, fishing operations should allow for the maintenance of ecosystem health, and the fishery is subject to an effective and responsible management system. These are the criteria against which the Maryland striped bass fishery will be assessed.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), along with its partners, the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Maryland Watermen’s Association, has contracted with EcoLogix to lead the full assessment effort. EcoLogix also led the pre-assessment effort for this fishery and has been working with the MSC for a number of years. Tavel, an accredited, independent assessment company will do the scientific evaluation, and the process will include an analysis of stock condition, review of management, and a review of fishing practices. Fishermen, conservationists, scientists and managers will be involved. "EcoLogix is delighted to be involved with this important effort to promote sustainable fisheries management. We long ago recognized the valuable tool that is the MSC program and are glad to continue our long-standing relationship with the MSC effort. Striped bass is an incredibly important species in the United States and boasts a tremendous story of recovery from the days when a harvest moratorium was necessary to preserve the migratory stock. We look forward to a comprehensive analysis of the fishery and sincerely hope that this project will increase recognition and use of the MSC program on the Atlantic Coast to the benefit of all U.S. fisheries,” stated George Chmael II, President of EcoLogix Group.

The enthusiasm for the project is shared by the many involved partners:

"The State of Maryland would like to thank our partners who have created a unique opportunity on the Atlantic coast to establish our striped bass fishery as responsibly managed and sustainable over the long term," said Maryland DNR Secretary C. Ronald Franks.

"The certification program is a win-win proposition: it offers a marketing incentive for managing sustainably, all determined by independent experts," stated William J. Goldsborough, Senior Scientist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Annapolis.

Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Lewis R. Riley stated “An assessment by a respected team of experts is an important fishery management validation instrument, and Marine Stewardship Council certification would enhance the marketing efforts of the Maryland Department of Agriculture's Seafood Marketing Program and add economic value to our striped bass industry."

Captain Larry Simns, President of the Board of the Maryland Watermen's Association, said "The striped bass fishery is the best managed fishery on the Bay thanks to the Department of Natural Resources and its management partners. The Marine Stewardship Council's approval of the fishery will help us to certify a top quality product and regain those markets we lost during the moratorium."

About EcoLogix Group

Headquartered on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland, and operating in numerous other locations, the EcoLogix team is comprised of professionals with deep experience in all dimensions of sustainability planning services. EcoLogix Group offers a full suite of consulting services necessary to assist clients in transitioning to sustainable operations. These services include Operations Analysis, Sustainability Planning, and Program Implementation which are delivered through the use of a variety of innovative tools. EcoLogix Group is a privately held company that provides valued services to world-leading entities operating in the public, private and non-governmental sectors. Visit EcoLogix Group at www.ecologixgroup.com for more information.