Sustainable Tourism - Irene Millar

IRENE MILLAR HAS BEEN HELD IN THE SPELL OF THE SEA SINCE SHE WAS A CHILD AND HOPES THAT IT IS PROTECTED SO THAT THE NEXT GENERATION OF CHILDREN CAN MARVEL AT ITS WONDERS.

Jacques Cousteau’s documentaries introduced marine life to me as a child. He said, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” I’m sure this is true for many of us.

MULTIPLE THREATS

Life below the waves has changed significantly in the intervening years. Marine life faces multiple threats from climate change, plastic pollution, habitat loss and unsustainable fishing to name a few.

The oceans in SE Asia accommodate one of the most copious concentrations of marine biodiversity in the world. This marine biodiversity is a vital source of income for millions of people generated through fishing and tourism. A World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report states that nearly 1/3 of the world’s fishing stock has been depleted as a result of unsustainable fishing practices.

Unsustainable fishing practices means that the way we harvest fish is causing the fish population to decline. Industrial fishing is big business and technology, bigger boats and the use of long lines and drift nets give fish little chance of survival. Some fish, such as the Atlantic Bluefin tuna, have been so over-fished that they are now an endangered species.

LIFE BELOW

Despite overfishing and the devastating damage that this causes to the marine eco-system, there are some positives taking place to protect our marine environment for future generations.

Threats to marine life are being highlighted in this year’s UN’S World Wildlife day which has the theme ‘Life below water, for people and planet’.

There is growing pressure on governments to increase the size of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) from the current level of 4% globally. MPA can support local communities and their economies through increased eco-tourism.

CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) work with fisheries, scientists, conservation groups and consumers to help protect marine life. They have thousands of outlets including supermarkets, restaurants and hotels where you can enjoy seafood that is certified as sustainable.

I caught up with Lucas Glanville, the Hyatt’s Culinary Director for SE Asia who shared that all 850 hotels in the Hyatt family have to procure a minimum of 15% of their seafood from MSC/ ASC suppliers. A further 35% of seafood has to be procured from responsible sources, such as WWF Green list.

FISH TRACKING

Hyatt Singapore source 40% of their seafood from MSC/ASC suppliers and are ‘Chain of Custody’ (COC) certified by both organisations. Lucas explained that once a fish has been filleted with its head and tail removed, it’s difficult to determine what type of fish it is. COC means you can accurately track the fish from the end user back to the fisherman. COC helps crackdown unscrupulous fishing practices such as forced labour, habitat destruction, drift nets and overfishing.

Lucas firmly believes that chefs are in a privileged position and their procurement choices are a big responsibility. Lucas attributes the success of his Food and Beverage results to sustainability initiatives as guests increasingly want a premium product that is sourced and produced sustainably. “People want to be part of success, it is key that our product is authentic and legitimate. This is the future, we must react, and react immediately to increase sustainable seafood.”

CHANGING TIMES

The oceans are changing and we can help them change for the better. Hyatt was one of the first hotels requesting certified sustainable seafood in Singapore. Ten years on and it’s easier to find certified sustainable seafood in supermarkets and restaurants. Demand has increased supply, and it has also reduced the cost of this premium item.

Help protect marine life both at home and on your travels by purchasing MSC or ASC certified products, where available, and choosing which fish are the most sustainable to eat. WWF have shopping guides for countries in Asia and beyond that help you make sustainable fish choices.

The choices we make now can help the ocean remain a source of magic and wonder for the travellers of today and for generations to come.