Darden Restaurants, USAID partner

Darden Restaurants and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on Tuesday partnered to form the Global FISH Alliance.

Unmasked at a reception in the AED Global Theater in Washington, D.C., the public-private program is designed to enhance livelihoods, biodiversity and food security by promoting sustainable fisheries and responsible aquaculture. Central America’s spiny lobster will be the program’s initial target.

“We are very pleased to be part of the Global FISH Alliance to help establish holistic multi-stakeholder approaches to conserve and enhance the ocean’s resources,” said Ian Olson, Darden’s director of sustainability. “Sustainable fisheries are not only critical to Darden’s continued growth, but the overall ecosystem.”

Darden is the world’s largest casual-dining company and is one of North America’s largest seafood buyers. The Orlando, Fla.-based company has annual sales of nearly USD 6.7 billion (EUR 4.5 billion) and owns and operates more than 1,700 restaurants under six banners — Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52.

“Fisheries play an enormous role in the economies, food security and well-being of many developing countries and communities, yet often don’t receive the attention they deserve. USAID is delighted to be partnering with Darden, AED and other organizations to promote sustainable fisheries management and biodiversity conservation,” said Michael Yates, USAID deputy senior assistant administrator for economic growth, agriculture and trade.

More than 2.5 billion people rely on seafood for a substantial part of their diet, and by 2020 developing countries will produce almost 80 percent of the seafood traded globally, according to USAID.

“AED takes a system-wide approach that balances the economic, environmental, governmental and social considerations,” said Richard Bossi, VP and director of the AED Center for Environmental Strategies. “Each perspective is essential if we are going to improve livelihoods and conserve marine biodiversity.”

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