Wrapping up the Good Fish Project
- Scott Jardine, Economic Development Officer
- Mar 6, 2018
- 2 min read
Sustainable seafood will be put on the menu nationally, following the success of an Australian-first pilot project that Surf Coast Shire Council was involved in.
Council partnered with the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) for the Good Fish Project pilot, which saw Surf Coast restaurants make a commitment to source and serve more sustainable seafood.
A Good Fish Project pilot wrap-up event was held Wednesday 6 December, where AMCS announced it had secured funding for a part-time officer who will roll out the project across Australia.
Mayor Cr David Bell welcomed the news, noting that Surf Coast Shire Council was the first Australian municipality to embrace the Good Fish Project in 2015.
The pilot project was successful because of the dedication of local restaurants and chefs, who contributed to a more sustainable future for our local seafood industry and helped protect ocean wildlife.
The pilot project included initiatives such as Good Fish Fridays – a weekly sustainable seafood offering from local restaurants.
This pilot occurred before we launched our Towards Environmental Leadership program,” Cr Bell said.
“It showed what can be achieved when Council teams up with our environmentally-conscious community.
ACMS Senior Marine Campaigner Tooni Mahto praised Surf Coast Shire Council’s willingness to be involved.
“Council’s environmental vision gave AMCS the opportunity to road test the Good Fish Project – the first of its kind in Australia,” she said.
“Getting the buy-in from Council, Surf Coast restaurants and the local community has been invaluable in ensuring the Good Fish Project works for both restaurants and the public, and can help drive lasting change in Australia’s fisheries.
“AMCS now feels confident the program is ready for national roll out, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the Council and local restaurants over the coming years.”
The Good Fish Project pilot’s local ambassador was renowned chef Matt Dempsey. For more information, visit www.goodfishproject.com.au.
Comments