ing committee for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games has announced an agreement to promote seafood at the games which has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).The Olympic games, to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will offer only certified seafood to the athletes, officials and press, and in all onsite restaurants, according to a memorandum of understanding between the committee and the ASC and MSC. The games will serve an estimated 14 million meals over 27 days.
"We are looking forward to working in partnership with MSC and ASC to support the respected work that they have done, and continue to do, with the fisheries and fish farms of Brazil," said Julie Duffus, the committee's sustainability manager. "This will ensure that our catering not only improves the local food industry but improves it to a standard that will leave a lasting, positive legacy post Games for Rio de Janeiro and Brazil."
Along with the pledge to serve sustainable seafood at the games, the memorandum also serves as an incentive for Brazilian fisheries and fish farmers to enter into assessment for and get sustainability certification.
"The collective action of the farms that enter the ASC program will undoubtedly have a positive effect for the future of aquaculture in the region as it moves towards environmental sustainability," said Chris Ninnes, the ASC's chief executive. "This is an important legacy and I hope other states follow the example of Rio."
