Profiles In Fishing

What does the word "sustainable" mean to you?

Sometimes I find "sustainable" easiest to describe by analogy: living on income, not dipping into savings. Can you hear your high school science teacher discussing "carrying capacity," an ecosystem's ability to support its burden of life now and into the future? While understanding this ecological imperative is critical, it is insufficient. To find the equilibrium implied by "sustainable," its economic and social dimensions must also be factored. This fuller appreciation of the competing and urgent demands imposed by society is what makes the concept of sustainability elusive. Sure, we must live on a budget, but it is human nature only to do so when we are happy with our quality of life. Sustainable is attainable, but for this to be achieved society must believe it will enrich our existence not impoverish it.

What is your role in the sustainable management of U.S. Fisheries?

I liken myself to a junction box; I plug constituencies together and energize participants. Passionfish.org, the nonprofit corporation which I co-founded and for which I serve as Executive Director, is inclusive, innovative, and favors market incentives. Three of us established the organization: Patricia Parisi, a journalist; Andrew Spurgin, a chef; and myself, a marine scientist. Gerard Viverito, of the Culinary Institute of America, has assumed Andrew's duties as Director of Culinary Education. By combining our talents, we tell a balanced story, do it with panache, and ensure its scientific rigor. The result—in person, in print, or on the air—is engaging, entertaining, and educational. Our initiatives make issues relevant, redefine expectations, and cut across continents, professions, and preconceived notions. Fisheries touch every life; we try to do likewise.

Why is your role so important?

By providing perspective. Sustainability is the defining challenge of the 21st century, and still in fisheries, egos and elbows abound. The industry is global, grantmakers can be parochial, consumers can be manipulated, science is sparse, and yet the implications of inaction are sweeping. Those of us passionately concerned about marine affairs but on the periphery are uniquely situated to observe the battle without getting mired in the fights. Where Passionfish makes its greatest contributions is finding common ground amid contention, developing programs that break with convention, and embracing the might of market mechanisms. We seek the sweet spot centered between the needs of people, the planet, and profits. Our importance stems from our independence. We are not activists with a prescribed solution; we forge alliances pursuing united solutions. Passionfish believes sustaining fisheries is as much about managing people’s needs as it is about managing fish.