Seafood Sustainablility

Over the past 10 years I have been very fortunate to cook with the freshest seafood from the pacific northwest. You can take for granted the availability that is at your doorstep. Within a half hour I have fresh dungeness crab for the evening's dinner service.

In January 2009 to March 2009 there is going to be a closure for dungeness crab. This is the first time that Tofino has seen a 3 month closure. At that time of year the crabs outer shell are soft which is not the best for eating.
The demand of dungeness crabs around the pacific northwest does not seem to be slowing down. The question that needs to be asked is "why are they closing the crab fishery down in Tofino?" "Are the crabs being over fished?" Since the sea otter has been under protection the population has increased so drastically that there is speculation that there are approximately 3-5 thousand lbs.of crabs being consumed by the sea otter daily.

As a professional chef, that depends on fresh seafood as my bread and butter, It is important to recognize the importance of sustainability. There are several governing bodies and associations that have information. www.seachoice.org is a guide that will give you alert code catagories. Red=Avoid. Do not purchase these fish right now. They come from sources that have a combination of problems. From habitat damage, poor management, low populations, can be harmed by fishing or be listed by governments as endangered. Yellow=Some Concerns. Seafood that should consumed infrequently or when a green choice is available. There are consevation concerns with the current populations or practices in this fishery. Green=Best Choice. This species is currently fished\harvested sustainably and represents a best choice. Enjoy while supporting responsible fishing and coastal livelyhhds. Dungeness crabs are in the best choice catagory.

Tim May
Executive Chef
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Comments

[Callie Harling]

Hi Tim,

You might not remember me but I visited when I was in 3rd grade -- now I'm a graduating senior. I have great memories of you cooking and Conn and me watching. Hopefully I'll get back again soon, but in the meantime, I'll be reading your blog.

Callie Harling