Bamboo Sushi in Portland, Ore., yesterday became the first U.S. independent restaurant to become certified against the Marine Stewardship Council's Chain of Custody standards.
Chain of Custody certification indicates strict adherence to traceability criteria for the procurement of wild-capture fisheries certified by MSC for being sustainable and well managed.
Bamboo Sushi's menu items from MSC-certified fisheries, including halibut, black cod, scallops, albacore and Alaska salmon, are indicated by the MSC's blue oval logo. Certified fisheries must complete an assessment by an independent third party against a rigorous scientific standard for sustainability and environmental responsibility.
"I want to show first that it can be done, that restaurants can make the commitment to source only sustainable seafood," says Kristofor Lofgren, owner of Bamboo Sushi. "I also want to show that it will contribute to business success. I believe people care about how their actions affect the environment and when they are made aware of options, they will support restaurants that demonstrate they are sourcing sustainably."
The restaurant is also partnered with several other leading marine conservation organizations, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Blue Ocean Institute, Salmon Nation/Eco Trust, KidSafe Seafood and the Seafood Choices Alliance.
"We're thrilled with the commitment that Bamboo Sushi has made to sustainability and to using the MSC's global certification program to source sustainable seafood," says Brad Ack, MSC's regional director for the Americas. "Sushi restaurants serve large quantities of fish and Bamboo Sushi is a market leader in giving sushi lovers the opportunity to have a great meal and to support sustainable fisheries at the same time, so they may continue to eat sushi forever."
