Of course, the Seafood and Sushi Watch pocket guides were everywhere (The aquarium estimates that they’ve distributed more than 32 million of them since 1999), but there were also several exhibits speaking directly to the issue of ocean health, all of them age specific – not easy to do for little ones – and informative. One in particular was an interactive experience enacting a visit to a restaurant. (Apologies for the photo quality below, but you’ll get the idea.) “Patrons” took their seat and not only responded to choices on the “menu” screens, but also watched videos from three “chefs” explaining their choices, or lack thereof, regarding sustainable seafood. Yeah, maybe a bit schlocky for anyone who already had a fair amount of information on the subject, but there were sure a lot of people sitting down and experiencing the entire presentation!

Interactive "restaurant" exhibit about sustainable seafood choices

In other news, the Monterey Bay Aquarium was a significant force behind California Assemblymember Bill Monning’s (D-Carmel) recent efforts to get a Sustainable Seafood Bill passed through the state legislation and signed by Governor Schwarzenegger. Policy wonks can link to the bill’s full text or summary, but in short it establishes an Ocean Protection Council (OPC) to develop and implement a voluntary sustainable seafood promotion program, including support for developing a standardized protocol for labeling sustainable seafood, as well as marketing support, and loan possibilities for fisheries wishing to become certified.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium also just released some good news about the state of our oceans in Turning the Tide, which was summarized thusly: “Our oceans are increasingly affected by human activities—primarily the ways we catch and farm seafood. Today, fish and other populations of ocean wildlife, from turtles to seabirds, are imperiled. Yet we appear to have reached a turning point, with many signs of hope for the future. Fishermen and consumers, businesses and governments recognize the threats. They are charting a new course, and cooperating in new ways.”

Finally … think you know your sustainable seafood? Test your smarts with this quiz! Also, the Seafood/Sushi Pocket Guides are downloadable in .pdf format (some also in Spanish) and now there’s an iPhone app available as well.

The Central Coast has once again reeled in some attention about sustainability, this time in regards to fishing.

Molly and Giovanni Comin, owners of Central Coast Seafood

As part of a new program aimed at bolstering sustainable fishing practices, two local businesses – Central Coast Seafood and Morro Bay Fish Company – are netting $275,000 in loans and credit from a new $5 million fund administered by the California Fisheries Fund and developed with support from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). The Morro Bay companies were reportedly chosen because of the local industry’s existing efforts to switch to more sustainable fishing practices.

Central Coast Seafood (CCS), one of the participants of the upcoming Earth Day Food and Wine Festival, has firmly demonstrated a commitment to buy from responsible fisheries, an approach that convinced Google – yes, THAT Google – to choose them as the seafood supplier for their company cafeteria. One of CCS’s suppliers is Morro Bay Fish Company; according to an EDF press release, “As the primary fish buyer on the dock in Morro Bay, Morro Bay Fish Company will help to deliver and market sustainable fish from local fishermen.”

As consumers, we also have a important role to play in protecting and maintaining global fish populations, and that role begins with education. Check out the best and worse choices for sustainable seafood and sushi at either the Environmental Defense Fund or the Monterey Bay Aquarium sites, and make your fish purchases and restaurant orders accordingly. You can also download portable guides, email to have some sent to you, or sign up to get updates on your mobile phone.