Raymond Blanc calls on chefs and caterers to make London sustainable fish city

1st February 2012, 9:06am

Top chef Raymond Blanc and the European Fisheries Minister Maria Damanaki have called on London’s chefs and caterers to help make London the world’s first ever sustainable fish city.

Raymond Blanc OBE, ambassador for the Sustainable Fish City campaign, welcomed 100 guests to Fishmongers' Hall, by London Bridge and the River Thames. 

Participants included Michelin-starred chefs, independent restaurant owners, some of the UK's largest restaurant and pub chains, policymakers, fish sustainability experts and fishermen.

The aim was to discuss how to use the power of the restaurant and catering industry to transform the market for sustainable fish, and practical support needed to achieve this.

Raymond Blanc praised many of those already taking a lead by removing endangered species from menus, paying attention to where and how their farmed prawns are produced, supporting smaller and sustainable fishers, and promoting fish from sustainably managed fisheries, as verified by the Marine Stewardship Council.

Urging the hospitality industry to act now, and to use and promote sustainable fish, Raymond Blanc said: "Today's chef is not only a craftsman, he also needs to be a teacher, a transmitter of values and an expert in sustainability issues – and, of course, he needs to make money. It is a tough ask. Welcome to the new world! Actually all this is really to the good – for chefs are now reconnecting with the true values of gastronomy."

Guests also heard from the Marine Stewardship Council on the increasing range of certified sustainable seafood now available, and from the conservation science organisation, the Marine Conservation Society. 

"Chefs also learned about the practicalities of serving sustainable fish from SeaWeb's Seafood Choices who presented practical tips and guidance from the Good Catch initiative to help chefs buy the right fish and engage staff and customers.

Blanc concluded: "This Sustainable Fish Forum has been extraordinary. We have a roomful of restaurateurs, hoteliers and group owners who are willing to listen and want to bring sustainability to their kitchens and restaurants. This tells us that the world is changing, that chefs are an emerging force to lead us towards better fishing practices and better sustainability."

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Tim Webb, RSPB London

01 February 2012 at 7:43pm

I'd like to see this taken to the next level. It's great that this is underway and I fully support it; and Raymond's excellent guidance. Yesterday I spent the day on the Thames foreshore arguing for the river to be cleaned-up. It supports a great commercial fishing industry, in need of public support, so let's unite and bring the environmental and economic interests together for social reasons.

Malcolm John

07 February 2012 at 4:07pm

At Malcolm John Restaurants, we are right behind this initiative. My recent piece on the BBC Good Food page lists a number of recipes and alternatives for those who aren't confident cooking less common, sustainable fish. http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/blog/627-sustainable-fish-and-how-to-cook-it/

Pauline OKeeffe

12 February 2012 at 11:16am

If London wants to be the first Sustainable Fish City food miles comes into sustainability whatever that word means. So why are top chefs and restaurant owners not promoting fresh British Fish from local vessels around the country. What seems to be happening is that Norweigan fish are being promoted more than British Fish. The UK fishing industry is in decline, and should be fully supported by top chefs and restaurant owners.

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