Imagine sitting at your favorite sushi bar and asking the chef two questions: What is that fish? How did it get here? Silicon Valley’s Packard Foundation is working to help ensure your chef could provide accurate answers.
The Future of Fish project—a partnership between the Foundation, social entrepreneurship agency Ashoka, and Central, a design strategy firm—takes a new approach in exploring the challenges facing the seafood industry to encourage sustainable methods of fishing that respect species harvest limits, preserve the marine environment and reduce bycatch [the ensnaring of unwanted fish in nets meant to harvest other species.]
Aaron Kenedi, chief storyteller for the project, recently offered us a look at the work-in-progress. We were intrigued with the team’s problem-solving methodology: apply Design Thinking to one of the world’s oldest, least-evolved industries – fishing.
Kenedi says the team is eager to share their insights and see their IP adopted by all players along the marine fisheries supply chain. The Future of Fishing Web site offers rich case studies, inspiring videos [check out “Reinventing the Anchovy” from Peru] and progress reports. Click here to learn more.
Though the seas of change can be rough indeed, Kenedi is encouraged by analogous shifts toward responsible practices in the coffee and diamond industries. “Now we’re out to prove that sustainable fishing can be affordable, doable and delicious.”
As consumers, we can do our part by skipping the tuna roll [tuna being extremely depleted] and asking for more tilapia and a new fave in the Obama White House, Kona Kampachi from Hawaii. Pass the chopsticks; we’re in.
Click here to visit the Future of Fishing website.