Most of us would agree that healthy oceans are important. We vacation at the beach, swim, surf, frolic and catch fish without thinking about the long term viability. When you enjoy your favorite shrimp dish, do you actually know where it comes from, how it was caught, and the distance it was transported? Most of us don’t have a clue, it isn’t part of our consciousness. Fortunately Seafood Watch helps consumers and businesses make sustainable seafood choices.
We have come to realize that our oceans have finite resources especially when a species is over fished to the point of extinction. Campaigns for dolphin-free tuna are part of consciousness and yet we pay little attention to the origin of seafood on our dinner plate. Seafood Watch helps consumers and businesses make choices that support suppliers with sustainable practices. Armed with a pocket guide of Best, Good or Avoid seafood choices or the mobile application, consumers can make sustainable choices. Download the pocket guide or mobile application for Android and iPhone here.
At a recent Seafood Watch Dinner held at the Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf, we were treated to a three-course dinner along with an education about why Seafood Watch is important. We started our evening with appetizers: Crab stuffed Bacon Wrapped US Gulf Caught Shrimp and Yellow Fin Tuna Sliders Wasabi Micro Cress Tomato Jam. The first course consisted of Dungeness Crab Frisee Salad. The entree was pan seared wild-caught striped bass served over artichoke risotto and braised kale. And the meal was completed by a trio of tarts: lemon meringue, chocolate mousse and Crème Brule. It was a fabulous meal.
Throughout dinner we heard from Aquarium of the Bay about sustainable seafood, why it is important, and what we as consumers can do to tip the balance toward more sustainable practices. The chef praised Seafood Watch because he knows the source of his food and that it was caught sustainably. After the delicious and educational dinner we felt empowered and inspired to become informed seafood consumers.
In collaboration with the San Francisco Seafood Watch Alliance, the Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf is the only recognized hotel partner in this program due to their commitment to sustaining the environment, both underwater and on the ground. The hotel has created a Seafood Watch Room Package that includes accommodations for two and dinner for two in the hotel’s Knuckles at the Wharf restaurant, with suggestions for sustainable menu selections. Package prices start at only $189, depending on booking dates. Enjoy selections from the delicious Seafood Watch menu below knowing you don’t have to feel guilty.
• Pacific Albacore Tuna with Grilled Pineapple Salsa, Jasmine Rice
• Sesame Crusted Albacore Tuna, Cucumber Salad, Coconut Bacon Rice
• Miso Marinated Corvina, Purple Sweet Potato Mash, Wasabi Gastric
• Pan seared Pacific Cod with Lemon Butter, Mashed potatoes, Pan Roasted Squash
• Fried Loligo Calamari, Fresh Lemons, Jalapenos, Sweet Chili Remoulade
• Dungeness Crab Cake Sandwich, Water Cress, Sliced Tomato, Spicy Remoulade
• Charbroiled Arctic Char, Lemon Scented Rice, Buttered Broccolini
• Pan Seared Pacific Halibut, Chipotle Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus
• Spinach Stuffed Dover Sole, Brown Rice, Grilled Gypsy Peppers
• Roasted Mexican Grouper, Saffron Risotto, Sautéed Swiss Chard
The San Francisco Seafood Watch Alliance is comprised of the Aquarium of the Bay, the California Academy of Sciences and San Francisco Zoo. These entities formed the Alliance with the aim of raising local consumer, restaurateur and seafood industry awareness of the importance of acquiring seafood from sustainable sources. The participating organizations will provide regional support for the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program, which aims to sustain wild, diverse and healthy ocean ecosystems that will exist long into the future.
©Karla Erovick 2013 article, photos
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