Sustainable Seafood Movement Videos

Aquariums - Leading the
​Sustainable Seafood Movement:
Parts One through Three

Part One - Ann-Marie Copping,
The Vancouver Aquarium
​Marine Science Centre

Part Two - Ryan Bigelow,
Monterey Bay Aquarium

Part Three - Joel Southall,
New England Aquarium


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Full Abstract

Part One:
Billions of people around the world rely on seafood as a vital nutrition source; for over 1 billion, it is their primary source of protein on a daily basis. However, recent estimates by the FAO suggest that over 85% of assessed fish stocks are currently overexploited or at capacity and global catches are estimated to be far greater than official statistics report. While in some places these challenges are being addressed at the government level, many private sector and non-governmental public institutions, such as Aquariums, have also risen to the forefront of the sustainable seafood movement. This presentation will highlight how aquariums act as leading drivers of change in fisheries and aquaculture, and how we use science-driven strategies to contribute to the conservation of fish stocks and marine ecosystems through integrated consumer education and marketplace engagement. Part One: Education and Awareness - This section will explore how aquariums drive change through business engagement and consumer education. Collectively, the aquariums in the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions reach a total of 8,000,000 visitors a year in person and millions more digitally. Furthermore, these programs build relationships with chefs, retailers, seafood suppliers and other institutions who themselves have become champions of sustainable seafood.

Part Two:
Research conducted through Aquarium led sustainable seafood programs has produced nearly 2,000 individual recommendations for seafood from fisheries and aquaculture producers across the globe. These recommendations cover 80-85% of what is bought and sold in the North American seafood market and comprise the scientific backbone for the sustainable seafood movement. This section introduces aquarium seafood research with a focus on the depth and rigor of the standards in the context of fisheries science and marine ecology.

Part Three:
The mechanisms for seafood improvement are varied, and aquariums play a significant role in pioneering and developing some of these mechanisms. Examples include (a) the inter-aquarium advocacy efforts of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP); (b) contributions of scientific information into fisheries management, and; (c) engaging business partners in policy and regulatory reform. Despite the many avenues for driving change, the goals are the same: to support science-based decision-making that ensures our fisheries and the ecosystems that support them will thrive. Aquariums not only engage and galvanize others in these improvement efforts, we also lead by example, improving our own practices and helping others to do the same.

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Happy Oceans Campaign for the
Solution of Sustainable
Marine Resources
in Aquamarine Fukushima

Toshiaki Mori,
Aquamarine Fukushima,
Marine Science Museum


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Full Abstract

The campaign called “Happy Oceans” at Aquamarine Fukushima has operated since 2013, which provides information about changing marine resources for guests. We turn on a traffic light of red, blue, yellow reflecting natural resources of the fish. The restaurant and Sushi-Bar offer menu using blue or yellow lighted seafood and provide information. Besides, educational programs for kids and their parents, lectures are conducted. Iwaki City located the aquarium is a fishery town and in 2001 it has established regulations to “the fish of the city” in Mehikari, regarding round greeneyes, Chlorophthalmus borealis, allowing only by-catch. It is important not to market valuable skip jack or angler fish in Mehikari. Happy Oceans campaign will emphasize that non-charismatic species should be marketed to stabilize the fishery. Happy Oceans cooperates with the local area and is being promoted in order to tell the wonder of marine life.