Fine fillets: Good Fish Project celebrated

SUSTAINABLE seafood will be put on the menu nationally, following the success of an Australian-first project originally piloted in the Surf Coast Shire.

The council partnered with the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) for the Good Fish Project, 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 last week at the council chambers, where AMCS announced it had secured funding for a part-time officer to roll out the project across Australia.

Shire mayor Cr David Bell welcomed the news, noting that the Surf Coast Shire 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.

“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 – championed locally by Tulip, Gladioli and Merne chef Matt Dempsey – included initiatives such as Good Fish Fridays: a weekly sustainable seafood offering from local restaurants.

Its impact is detailed in the Good Fish Project Pilot Report, released at the wrap-up event.

“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 the shire’s willingness to be involved.

“Council’s environmental vision gave AMCS the opportunity to road test the Good Fish Project – the first of its kind in Australia.

“Getting the buy-in from the 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.”

For more information, head to goodfishproject.com.au.