How can you source sustainable seafood for your restaurant?

1 Know your seafood

The first step to source sustainable seafood is to know what kind of seafood you are buying, where it comes from, how it is harvested or produced, and what are the environmental and social impacts of its production. You can use online tools and guides, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, the Marine Stewardship Council, or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, to check the sustainability ratings and certifications of different seafood products. You can also ask your suppliers for more information and transparency about their seafood sources, such as the origin, traceability, fishing methods, and quality standards.

2 Choose local and seasonal

Another way to source sustainable seafood is to choose local and seasonal products, whenever possible. Local seafood means that it is caught or farmed near your location, which reduces the transportation costs, emissions, and risks of spoilage. Seasonal seafood means that it is available at certain times of the year, when it is most abundant and less vulnerable to overfishing. By choosing local and seasonal seafood, you can support your local fishermen and farmers, diversify your menu, and offer your customers fresh and high-quality products.

3 Reduce waste and portion size

A third way to source sustainable seafood is to reduce waste and portion size in your restaurant. Waste can occur at different stages of the seafood supply chain, such as during harvesting, processing, storage, transportation, and preparation. You can reduce waste by ordering only what you need, storing and handling your seafood properly, and using every part of the fish or shellfish. You can also reduce portion size by serving smaller or shared plates, or by offering half portions or take-away options. By reducing waste and portion size, you can save money, improve your efficiency, and minimize your environmental footprint.

4 Educate your customers and staff

A final way to source sustainable seafood is to educate your customers and staff about the benefits and challenges of sustainable seafood. You can use your menu, website, social media, or signage to inform your customers about the origin, quality, and sustainability of your seafood products, and to highlight any special features or stories behind them. You can also train your staff to be knowledgeable and enthusiastic about your seafood offerings, and to answer any questions or concerns that your customers may have. By educating your customers and staff, you can build trust, loyalty, and awareness about your restaurant's sustainability goals and practices.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?