First MSC-Certified Independent Restaurant in U.S. Opens
20 November 2008
Bamboo Sushi in Portland, Oregon, which opened November 7, is the first independent restaurant in the United States to become certified for MSC Chain of Custody (Xanterra, which operates food service in National Parks, became certified for MSC Chain of Custody in 2003). The MSC is the world’s leading certification and eco-labeling program for sustainable seafood.
Under the MSC program, wild capture fisheries can become certified if they successfully complete assessment by an independent third party against a rigorous scientific standard for sustainability and environmental responsibility. Chain of Custody certification indicates adherence to strict traceability standards. Bamboo Sushi’s menu items from certified fisheries are indicated by the MSC’s distinctive blue oval logo.
Environmental stewardship
Bamboo Sushi owner Kristofor Lofgren is passionate about environmental stewardship, and so he turned to the MSC to help him realize his commitment to sourcing only sustainable seafood. Lofgren hopes to serve as a model for other restaurants on how to source sustainably and educate diners about the impact of their choices on global fishing.
“I want to show first that it can be done, that restaurants can make the commitment to source only sustainable seafood,” said Lofgren. “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.”
What the MSC says
“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,” said 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.”
Bamboo Sushi offers a wide variety of delicacies featuring MSC-certified halibut, black cod, scallops, albacore and Alaska salmon. They plan to expand offerings bearing the MSC logo as more of their target species certified to the MSC standard become available.
The restaurant is also partnered with several other leading marine conservation organizations, including Monterey Bay Aquarium, Blue Ocean Institute, Salmon Nation/Eco Trust, KidSafe Seafood, and the Seafood Choices Alliance.
More on the restaurant and Bamboo Sushi’s menus can be found at www.bamboosushipdx.com.
Further information
Photos are available upon request.
For any media inquiries please contact media@msc.org.
