Following a pilot project undertaken by the Surf Coast Shire in Victoria, sustainable seafood will be plated up around Australia.
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 on 6 December at the Council office, where AMCS announced it had secured funding for a part-time officer who will roll out the project across Australia.
Mayor 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,” Cr Bell said.
“The wrap-up event was an opportunity to thank locals for their involvement, and to deliver the good news that the Good Fish Project will be expanding.”
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.
“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.”
