Global prospects for securing a sustainable seafood supply and protecting ocean ecosystems are improving, according to a benchmark research report released by Monterey Bay Aquarium on the 10th anniversary of its landmark Seafood Watch program. The report, Turning the Tide: The State of Seafood, credits a growing consensus on how best to manage fisheries and fish-farming operations and new commitments by consumers, major buyers and the fishing community for the optimistic outlook. On the pessimistic side, the report also details significant and continuing threats to healthy oceans from mismanagement of wild-caught fisheries and a booming fish-farming sector.
In conjunction with release of the report, the aquarium has launched a national campaign asking top national chefs and culinary leaders to take a "Save Our Seafood" pledge not to serve items from the aquarium's Seafood Watch red "Avoid" list as a way to restore ocean health. The report also identifies a "Super Green" list of wild and farmed seafood items that are both good for human health and are produced in ways that protect ocean ecosystems. The list was developed in collaboration with scientists from Environmental Defense Fund and the Harvard School of Public Health. Copies of the seafood report, the open letter from chefs and the Super Green list, are available at www.montereybayaquarium.org/seafoodwatch. The aquarium will update the report every two years.
