June 26, 2007
AQUARIUM’S SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD PROGRAM LAUNCHES IN THE OKANAGAN
Kelowna, BC: The Vancouver Aquarium launched its wildly successful conservation initiative, Ocean Wise, in Kelowna today at the Cactus Club Cafe.
The health of our oceans is in danger, and according to the journal Science, current research indicates the world’s fisheries may collapse by 2050 unless there is a drastic change in the way they are managed. The Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program was created to help ordinary citizens make a difference and help ensure a sustainable future for marine life.
Ocean Wise enables participating restaurants and their patrons to make environmentally friendly seafood choices. The program works individually with restaurant and market partners to ensure that they have the most up-to-date information about sustainable seafood – species that are caught in ways that minimize environmental impact. Ocean Wise participants commit to highlighting sustainable options on their menus with the Ocean Wise logo, making it easy for their patrons to choose ocean-friendly seafood.
At the Okanagan launch, guests enjoyed sustainable seafood prepared by top chefs from some of the program’s newest restaurant partners including Cactus Club Cafe, Mantle's Restaurant, Old Vines Restaurant, the Rotten Grape and Toasted Oak Wine Bar & Grill.
Originally launched in Vancouver in January 2005, the Ocean Wise program now has 65 participating members, for a total of 80 restaurant locations, plus Capers Community Markets, the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, and Simon Fraser University food services. Patrons in the Okanagan can expect to see the Ocean Wise logo in local restaurants this summer.
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For further information, please contact:
Brenda Jones
Manager, Public Relations
