The Monterey Bay Aquarium received a USD 10 million (EUR 8.83 million) gift from the Schmidt Family Foundation to support international expansion of its Seafood Watch program and to drive the global seafood supply chain in more sustainable directions.
The aquarium will use the grant to expand collaborations with food industry leaders, expert bodies and key NGOs. Launched in 1999, Seafood Watch has become an influential source of information about sustainable seafood for major North American buyers.
“We have made remarkable progress in the last few years, changing perceptions and practices among business and the public,” said aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard.
“While we’ve seen tremendous progress in recovery of U.S. fisheries, so much more needs to be done globally to ensure food security and healthy oceans for the future. It’s gratifying to have our successes recognized by the Schmidts. With their support, we will now be able to accomplish so much more.”
The five-year grant will allow the aquarium to integrate Seafood Watch with its policy and research expertise to address challenges in global fisheries and in aquaculture production.
