April 21, 2005

VANCOUVER RESTAURANTS GET 'OCEAN WISE'

Vancouver, BC: The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is pleased to announce that 16 B.C. restaurants are participating in "Ocean Wise" - a new seafood conservation program created by the Aquarium. Starting Friday, April 22 (Earth Day), consumers can find the Ocean Wise logo beside sustainable seafood menu items when dining at participating restaurants.

British Columbia is famous the world over for its fresh, high quality seafood. In order to continue enjoying this reputation, scientists warn that if we don't change some of our seafood choices today we could lose some species for good.

"We wanted to make it as easy as possible for diners to choose sustainable seafood," said Patrick O'Callaghan, VP of Education and Conservation, Vancouver Aquarium. "Now with the Ocean Wise program, consumers have both the knowledge and power to make a difference."

Vancouver Aquarium Conservation and Research staff members have worked with participating restaurants to make recommendations to their menus.

"Making sustainable seafood choices is the key to ensuring that a wide variety of seafood is around for generations to come," said Chef Rob Clark of C Restaurant, where the program was launched. "At C Restaurant we believe that quality is synonymous with sustainably harvested seafood. So for us, this just makes sense."

Participating restaurants include:

.   C Restaurant - Ocean Wise Founding Restaurant Partner

.   Araxi Restaurant and Lounge (Whistler)               .   Horizons Restaurant

.   Aqua Riva                                                      .   Nimmo Bay Resort (Port McNeill, BC)

.   Bis Moreno Italian Restaurant                            .   Ouisi Bistro

.   Blue Water Cafe and Raw Bar                            .   Raincity Grill

.   The Cannery Seafood Restaurant                       .   The Salmon House

.   Chambar Belgian Restaurant                              .   Vancouver Aquarium Catering and

.   CinCin Ristorante and Bar                                      Food Services

.   DV8 Lounge                                                   .   West Restaurant and Bar

Ocean Wise is one of many conservation programs created by the Vancouver Aquarium to protect the environment. This program was also made possible by the David & Lucille Packard Foundation.

Any restaurants interested in becoming an Ocean Wise Restaurant can contact Tara Taylor, Director of Conservation Programs, Vancouver Aquarium at oceanwise@vanaqua.org.

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For further information, please contact:

Brenda Jones,

Acting Manager, Public Relations

brenda.jones@vanaqua.org