Photo Courtesy Sam Murfitt.
Mr. Canastra is the co-founder of the Whaling City Seafood Display Auction, the number one auction house throughout New Bedford and Southern New England, and the Boston Seafood Display Auction. He is a Fairhaven native whose grandfather came to New Bedford from Portugal as a whaler for blackfish. Early in his fishing career, Mr. Canastra lived and worked in the fishing industry of Brussels. He has brought many best practices of the industry overseas back to the ports of Southern New England.
Mr. Canastra has served on the Northeast Seafood Coalition as treasurer, is a founding member and Board Chairman of Saving Seafood and is a member of the Massachusetts Governor’s Seaport Advisory Council, the New Bedford Economic Development Council, and the New Bedford Council on Commercial Fishing. Among Mr. Canastra’s recognitions include the Offshore Mariners Wives’ Association Friend of the Fishing Industry Award for his work in the fishing industry and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation’s Community MVP award for exemplified leadership, dedication, and commitment to improving his community.
Mr. Canastra is also a volunteer pilot with Angel Flight NE, providing free airplane flights to children and adults to obtain medical care.