| One simple thing you can do to save the Oceans TODAY |
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| Sunday, 07 June 2009 00:00 |
What You Can do to Save the Oceans Today If you do one thing today, please make it this: Add your signature to the online petition (http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/groundfish_amendment16) to end overfishing in New England. Friends in the area have been working with the Pew Trust and New England commercial fisherment to restore our historic cod and groundfish fishery. Here is the best explanation I've found for the changes needed: it's a little tricky to follow because some of the terminology sounds counterintuitive. For example, if you are FOR ocean conservation wouldn't you want to support "time at sea limits"? (or days at sea) Sounds logical until you play it out. "Time at Sea" is untenable because a fisherman will maximize his catch for his limit of time at sea. So, if you have caught your total allowable catch of cod, but you still have time at sea, any additional cod you pull up are wasted to you and tossed. You're not allowed to even bring it in as by-catch. This is quite compelling, hear it from the fishermen.
Overfishing continues on 13 depleted groundfish stocks, including signature species such as Atlantic cod and many of the flounders - restaurant favorites. Current systems do not work to protect fishstocks, does not support fishermen, does not support fishing communities. The current legislation controls or micromanages fishermen, without focusing on the results desired i.e. more sustainable fisheries. Bycatch, fish caught unintentionally while targeting another species, is poorly monitored, largely unlimited, and results in enormous quantities of dead fish being dumped overboard. The proposed changes in the Magnuson Stevens Act will enable cooperatives to determine and share catch limits, "sector limits" with oversight. So if fisherman A has caught too much cod, they can pool their catch with others who've caught under their limit. Cooperative approaches proposed, actually put the incentives in the hands of the fishermen whose very livelihood depends on proper managment. This system has been working much better to achieve the desired results (more environmental and economic sustainability results) everywhere else it's been implemented. Our current system is only implemented in two other fisheries, which are getting similarly poor results.
What are CSF's - Community Supported Fisheries Modeled on CSA's Community Supported Agriculture model, CSFs aim to give fishermen the advantage of predictable income and predictable buyers for their catch. The "catch" with the model is that they are not currently focused on sustainable seafood as a priority. The hope from a group of sustainable seafood mavens with whom I regularly meet, is that this CSF model takes steps in the right direction to building a local food community, supporting local fishermen, and by doing those things we'll have a stronger voice and more influence on the priorities down the road. I was, at first, opposed to the idea because I saw too many endangered fish on their lists. I think I'm persuaded that the benefits outweigh the hardline approach. I'd rather have a conversation with fishermen about why this is important than try to work through a fishmonger, who answers to a manager, who answers to a corporate structure. My friend Roz articulated it well, I think: "Although I am not entirely happy with the selection of fish that this CSF provides, this is an economic model that I want to support. I am hoping that as time goes by and the fishermen receive more money per pound for their catch, they may be more amenable to focussing on fish that are better choices from a sustainability standpoint. I think that I will be better able to make my voice heard as a customer -- expressing which fish I want in my share and which fish I try to avoid -- than if I was not part of their constituency at all.
What else is going on with our Fish FriendsRead about the worldwide Tuna Boycott in the Wall Street Journal and a collection of responses gathered by the wonderful Sam Fromartz at Chewswise, What Should Nobu Do on Bluefin Tuna? Some of my best fish friends are quite clear in asking honest questions of Nobu and the filmmaker behind "End of the Line." A good read.
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written by RichardA , June 07, 2009
RichardA
written by Jacqueline , June 07, 2009
Thanks I corrected the reference to the Wall Street Journal.
I'm shocked that you don't support the efforts to save the tuna, Richard. The history of boycotts like these has been successful, we can already see that high profile names have called on Nobu to change their practices. For better or worse, these are the people middle America listens to. The voices joining the cause and lending their celebrity to the saving of the tuna can shine a light on the issue in a way that all the well-intentioned bloggers could not. With respect to Nobu their silence is damning and despite the excellence of his/their skills, they have relied on the lamest of excuses "our customers want it" - chefs are in a unique position to change customers' awareness of the alternatives. We saw the Give Swordfish a Break campaign of the 80's http://findarticles.com/p/arti..._55492376/ work to allow the stocks to recover. Now, we know more about how to catch them without damaging their future. Now, the challenge is hewing that line. Tuna may be so endangered that even if this campaign begins to turn the tide, it may be too late. Virtually every conservation and scientific organization agrees with the data on the precarious situation with the tuna. I thought the protest at Nobu (which has simply added an asterisk to their bluefin menu item - showing that they cannot claim ignorance) was quite calm and organized. Not the crazy antics one sees with other protests. Thanks for the comment, maybe we'll get some more people engaged in the issue.
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written by RichardA , June 07, 2009
Jackie:
I think you misunderstood my position. I never stated that I don't support efforts to save the tuna. I simpy objected to a couple of particular efforts, the dine-in protest and boycott call on Nobu. And my primary issue with them is that there are many unanswered questions out there. I won't blindly support these measures, and would hope others don't either. For example, just consider the questions I asked at the end of my first comment. Do you know the answers to those questions? I have other questions as well. I don't believe this boycott would be successful. Essentially, it is geared toward a single restaurant. Where is the call for boycotts of all restaurants that serve blue-fin? How much blue fin does Nobu use in a year, and what percentage of the total blue-fin caught is that total? Why do you agree with the hardline approach against Nobu but not against the CSFs you referenced in your original post? Shouldn't we also boycott CSF's that catch endangered fish? Thanks.
Why targeting Nobu makes sense
written by Casson , June 08, 2009
This goes beyond the simple history that Nobu has with Greenpeace and with Charles Clover of The End of the Line. It even goes beyond the promises that Nobu has already made (and subsequently ignored) to label their bluefin tuna as an endangered species on their menu.
Nobu is a trend-setting establishment that not only spans the globe, but wields incredible influence at the top of the sushi industry food chain. The innovative akumen and staggering talent of Nobu Matsuhisa are undeniable; he is undoubtedly capable of creating delectable dishes from both sustainable and unsustainable sources alike. Why, then, is he so resistant to use these gifts in an environmentally friendly manner? Still, viewing this issue as “environmentalists v Nobu” is missing the point. Both groups want the same outcome: a healthy and productive ocean that can provide all the ecosystem services to foster sustainable business and healthy living. If Nobu were to drop bluefin and adopt a sustainable business model, it would be in the interest of the environmental community to promote the restaurant and encourage consumers to patronize it, rather than the unfortunate current situation. Nobu needs to change their practices and begin to demonstrate corporate responsibility. Although environmentally rapacious and irresponsible businesses no longer have a place in this changing world, it is in everyone’s interest that sustainable and wisely managed establishments thrive and succeed.
Comparing Nobu to CSFs is apples and oranges
written by Jacqueline , June 08, 2009
Yes there are other restaurants serving blue fin. Nobu is a trendsetter and has the power to make a difference. The CSFs, as I think I stated, are not perfect but given what I heard and discussed with others at my sustainability group, I do think it is step in the right direction. Particularly if coupled with the sector limits change advocated by Pew Trust, various fishermen's organizations and scientists.
None of this is simple, nor a stand alone solution. With respect to the Nobu boycott, I think the cards such as Seafood Watch distributes (they commend restaurant's choices or ask the restaurant to make more sustainable choices) are one tool. A boycott is another. And these types of actions have worked in the past. They know what they're doing is wrong. They asterisk a menu then continue to deplete the supply and profit from serving endangered species. I can rail against Nobu but it won't raise the issue the same way Charlize Theron's protest will. That's the reality and that's part of why I support that type of protest. It was peaceful, and got the point across, raised awareness and got people (and celebrities) talking. Back to CSFs: I am persuaded that building local food communities, supporting local fishermen and increasing sustainable fishing practices don't have to be time-ordered. We can do it all at the same time in small ways. Right now, I cannot afford to do it at all, but, theoretically, I can say yes, it's better to support a local food system than a corporate entity who is also doing a very bad job at supplying us with sustainable seafood. At least I can build a relationship with a local CSF and start the dialog. We can as buyers into a CSF exert more pressure, more effectively than the same group could do with say, Whole Foods. There's not really a reason to say one has to apply a one-size fits all approach to every situation. What are your suggestions for persuading Nobu or others to stop serving endangered species?
Questions remain unanswered
written by RichardA , June 08, 2009
Several of my questions continue to remain unanswered. How do we know whether or not Nobu is obtaining their blue fin tuna through sustainable methods? Where is the call for boycotts of all restaurants that serve blue-fin? How much blue fin does Nobu use in a year, and what percentage of the total blue-fin caught is that total?
It may sound nice that Nobu is a "trend-setter" but where is the proof that if they removed blue fin from their menu that many other restaurants would follow suit? It is not a necessary conclusion. Would all the illegal tuna fishing suddenly stop because Nobu no longer serves blue fin? Very doubtful. And why wouldn't it work to just call a boycott for all restaurants that serve blue fin? I am not persuaded that CSFs, which are not sustainable, should be supported just because they are local. Those fisherman are still causing harm and there is no guarantee that you will be able to persuade them to change at some unknown time in the future. I would suspect such local fisherman would find it much more difficult to change as their financial resources are so much smaller. In addition, what type of message does that send to Nobu? Could they not use that to claim there is a double standard involved? Though Nobu is being asked to be sustainable, others are allowed to remain unsustainable, and even receive support for their efforts. How do we protect the endangered fish? Yes, that is not an easy question. I think a preliminary step is to identify the primary buyers, the main offenders, of such fish. They are the one who cause the most harm so that is where our efforts would best be directed. For example, if Company "A" bought 20% of all blue fin but Company "B" only bought .1%, who should you most pursue? Obviously Company "A" And that is part of the equation that is missing here with Nobu and which bothers me. How much blue fin does Nobu purchase annually? Are they a major offender or really just a small one? Are there other restaurants or chains that purchase far more blue fin than Nobu? Thanks
Richard
written by jacqueline , June 09, 2009
I hear your frustration and in a perfect world you would be correct. Theoretically, it makes more sense to target the mathematically larger offender. However, we do not live in a perfect world. History has shown that high profile actions can and do help turn the tide of public opinion. (see for example the Give Swordfish a Break campaign.)
I also don't believe it's an either/or situation. I would urge you to begin the boycott you envision. Hopefully, the two efforts will have the desired results and save the majestic, endangered tuna. In this realm, I firmly believe you cannot let "perfect" stand in the way of "good." Greenpeace has not been silent on these other matters, by the way. Nor have they relied on just the restaurant campaign. Read their report "Carting Away our Oceans" which I wrote about here: http://jacquelinechurch.com/ld...-we-can-do. They identify major supermarket chains and those that fail to make any efforts are noted, as well as those that have issued vague corporate statements and a few who have made clearer commitments. A parallel report has been released for Canadian chains. If you take a look at my resource guide you'll and last year's Teach a Man to Fish Round up (including a five step plan for talking to your fishmonger: see Lia Huber's Flying Fish Award) you will see plenty of resources to go to for answers and guidance. Through those organizations to which I link, you can find many of the answers you seek. In the meantime, I urge you not to take a hardline, either/or approach. You don't have to endorse any boycott you don't agree with, but don't miss the forest for the trees (the pod for the whale?). The tuna need ALL our help. And it's not only the tuna, our own survival depends on the health of the ocean ecosystems. I think I already addressed the CSF issues above.
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written by RichardA , June 09, 2009
Fortunately, Casson was kind enough to provide answers to my questions on my Monday Rant blog post. I think it is very important to ask such questions, which should be done before supporting any cause. People need to be well informed.
Did you know there are bluefin caught by sustainable methods? I did not until I did some research. And it appears others don't know that either. Just one fact of many people need to know. Our objectives are essentially the same, though we are coming at it from different angles. I think all of the efforts directed at Nobu might be better directed where there is a greater harm. I still have not seen sufficient evidence that if Nobu were to stop serving bluefin that a significant number of others, especially overseas, would also stop serving bluefin. I look forward to this year's Teach a Man to Fish.
On the CSF front
written by Mary , June 11, 2009
I signed up for Cape Ann Fresh Catch (a CSF) and I am very excited to see how it works. Like Roz, I plan on being pretty vocal about the sustainability of what's in my share. I'm also going to be very happy with oilier fish that may be less palatable to others.
I'm also interested in challenging myself to use the whole fish. We'll be getting entire fish, gutted, but on the frame. Hoping to fill my freezer with fumet and curious to see what else I'll be able to do with the carcasses. |
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Your Nobu/WSJ link appears to be incorrect as the article talks about blue fin tuna but does not mention the Nobu protest.
I do not support the Greenpeace dine-in protest at Nobu in Tribeca. I also do not support the call for a boycott of Nobu. I have scheduled a post on my blog about these issues for Monday. My basic position is that there is insufficient information out there about Nobu's blue fin practices and the extent of any harm they cause. They are certainly an easy and high-publicity target, yet I am sure efforts would be better directed towards much greater offenders out there.
Why boycott just Nobu? Shouldn't there be calls to boycott all restaurants that serve blue fin tuna?
And how do we know whether or not Nobu is obtaining their blue fin tuna through sustainable methods?