A new project announced today (30 June 2008) will encourage visitors to Bristol Zoo Gardens to become marine conservation champions by putting sustainable seafood at the top of their shopping lists.
The partnership project between Bristol Zoo Gardens and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) will be delivered over 2008/09, and will feature:
• New displays in the Bristol Zoo Gardens aquarium alerting visitors to the link between seafood choices and marine conservation.
• Education sessions for schools helping children to appreciate the ‘Blue Planet’ and learn about how sustainable fishing can protect the oceans.
• Information and activities encouraging visitors to look for the MSC ecolabel when shopping for seafood.
• MSC-labelled sustainable seafood options in the Pelican Restaurant at Bristol Zoo Gardens and an exhibition helping visitors identify certified sustainable seafood when out shopping.
• A celebratory event to mark the completion of the project in Spring 2009.
Simon Garrett, head of learning at Bristol Zoo Gardens, said: “Visitors to the Zoo’s aquarium will know that it is home to a whole host of amazing creatures found in seas across the world. This new project means that, as well as seeing these fantastic creatures up-close for themselves, visitors will also be better able to find out about the current issues in marine conservation. Clear and simple information and advice about how to choose sustainable seafood will mean our visitors will see how their daily actions can have a global impact.”
Rupert Howes, Chief Executive of the MSC welcomed the announcement: “With this project Bristol Zoo Gardens will lead the UK by becoming the first visitor attraction to offer certified sustainable seafood to visitors through the Pelican Restaurant menu. Combine this step with the exciting plans for new displays and school activities, and this will be a truly integrated and innovative approach to promoting sustainable seafood choices.”
The project is funded by the Ocean Fund of Royal Caribbean International which was set up in 1996 to support marine conservation organizations in preserving the world’s oceans. The mission of the Ocean Fund is to support efforts to restore and maintain a healthy marine environment, minimize the impact of human activity on this environment, and promote awareness of ocean and coastal issues and respect for marine life.
