how does al get this severely threaten species for a menu choice? what strings were pulled? i smell conspiracy...or could that be the rotten fish?
do as i say, not as i do.
posted by wholesaler1972 at 09:12 P.M. EST on Wed Jul 18, 2007 #
I think the first mention of Chilean sea bass being served at Gore's daughter's wedding was in this July 14, 2007 People magazine article:
"Executive chef Helene An created a six-course tasting menu that included Chilean sea bass and roasted crab."
That's all the People article said about the fish.
From the July 18 article that started this thread:
"Gore and his guests at the weekend ceremony dined on Chilean sea bass - arguably one of the world's most threatened fish species."
From the Web site for the U.S. Department of State, this 2002 FAQ titled Chilean Sea Bass Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Chilean sea bass an endangered species?
No. But large, unreported catches from illegal fishing of this valuable fish has made effective management difficult. In 2000, more than 16,000 tons of Chilean sea bass were legally harvested in the Antarctic management area. Estimates vary, but there may be up to twice that amount taken illegally. Some Chilean sea bass fisheries are managed in a responsible manner, but there are some areas where the species has been and continues to be overfished.
Is Chilean sea bass available in the United States?
Yes. U.S. regulations allow imports of Chilean sea bass that are caught within legal limits and that provide for the sustainable use and conservation of the fishery resource. However, some illegally harvested Chilean sea bass does enter the United States. Restaurateurs and consumers should ask questions before buying Chilean sea bass to ensure that the fish being purchased were legally harvested.
How much Chilean sea bass does the United States import?
The U.S. imports about 10,000 tons of fresh and frozen Chilean sea bass, or somewhere between 15 to 20 percent of the worldwide Chilean sea bass catch.
From a June 20, 2007 Chicago Sun-Times article:
"The restaurant industry plays a big role in making species sink or swim. Case in point: it's estimated that dining institutions account for about 70 percent of Chilean Sea Bass sales in the United States, a species that's all-but-guaranteed to be extinct in the near future. So, chefs like Rick Bayless -- who sports a sustainable seafood bar at Frontera Grill and only sells sustainable and sustainably raised seafood at his three restaurants -- avoid serving at-risk species."
Also from that Chicago paper article, these suggestions:
"Seafood choices for healthy oceans"
"Your consumer choices make a difference. Support fisheries and fish farms that are healthier for ocean wildlife and the environment."
BEST CHOICES
Catfish (U.S. farmed)
Salmon (wild caught from Alaska)
Shrimp (trap caught)
Tilapia (U.S. farmed)
Rainbow trout (farmed)
GOOD ALTERNATIVES
Cod (Pacific)
Crab (imitation/Surimi)
Scallops (Bay)
Tuna (canned light)
Tuna (canned white/Albacore)
AVOID
Chilean sea bass (tooth fish*)
Flounder (Atlantic Groupers*)
Halibut (Atlantic)
Shrimp (imported farmed or trawl-caught)
Soles (Atlantic)
*Limit consumption due to concerns about mercury or other contaminants. Visit www.oceansalive.org/eat.cfm
From Mother Earth News, this 2006 PDF file (or HTML version thanks to Google) titled "Sustainable Seafood Shopping Guide." Under "Fish to Avoid," the article states:
NOT ECO-FRIENDLY
Chilean sea bass; Patagonian toothfish . . . . Overharvested
So I would guess that a strict, informed environmentalist would not knowingly buy nor eat Chilean sea bass. How much control did Al Gore have over the menu for his daughter's wedding? Probably none. You know how guys are when it comes to planning weddings.
posted by jr at 10:47 P.M. EST on Wed Jul 18, 2007 #
That stuff ain't cheap either. I was at Rohrs the other day and it was 20 bucks a pound.
posted by Ryan at 10:42 A.M. EST on Thu Jul 19, 2007 #
Al Gore's fish dinner turns out green
posted by Chris99 at 12:24 P.M. EST on Thu Jul 19, 2007 #
How much control did Al Gore have over the menu for his daughter's wedding? Probably none. You know how guys are when it comes to planning weddings.
Probably as much influence as I had over the menu at mine.... he showed up, ate it, and paid for it in the end. LOL
posted by MikeyA at 03:32 P.M. EST on Thu Jul 19, 2007 #
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