Coast 236 is a James Beard Foundation Smart Catch Leader

12/2/2021

Yellowfin Tuna Crudo・citrus, shallot, fried caper, EVOO, micro cilantro

At Coast 236, we are passionate about responsible food sourcing and creating sustainable cuisine. Our sustainable fish purchasing program provides guests with an enhanced dining experience, and contributes to the Saugatuck community in a responsible way. We are honored that the James Beard Foundation has recognized Chef Rick Bower as a Smart Catch Leader in 2021, again in 2022, and 2023 — and now as a Smart Catch Ambassador (their highest recognition) in 2023, as a result of these efforts to promote sustainability through our menu and philosophy.

About the James Beard Foundation Smart Catch Program

Smart Catch is an educational program created by chefs, for chefs with the purpose of increasing the sustainability of the seafood offered on menus. It provides chefs with training and support so they can serve seafood that is produced in sustainable ways. By becoming a Smart Catch Leader and earning the Smart Catch seal, chefs give consumers a simple way to identify and support restaurants that are working to protect the world’s oceans.

In order to be recognized as a Smart Catch Leader, a restaurant’s menu must meet or exceed 80 percent sustainability, and include no more than two Red List items that total 8% volume or less. Red items are seafood that is overfished, or caught or farmed in ways that harm other marine life.

With more than 90% of the world's fisheries either fully fished or overfished, preserving marine life to assure stable fishing stocks and promoting sustainably farmed options is more important than ever. Chefs are uniquely positioned to create positive change in seafood supply chains and influence consumer behavior. Through the Smart Catch program, they have a chance to use their influence to lead industry efforts to maintain healthy, sustainable food sources today, and for future generations. They will be able to expand not only our palates, but also our views.

Learn more about the James Beard Foundation’s Smart Catch program.