-- Group's Efforts Help Protect Humanity's Biggest Larder: the Sea --

NEW YORK, Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the devastating levels of excessive fishing to meet growing consumer demand, the members of Relais & Chateaux, an international Association of chefs and hoteliers, have agreed to make changes in how they buy seafood, including removing red tuna and other threatened species from their menus.

According to international experts, by projecting the current rate of overfishing and other industry actions, fish could disappear from our oceans sometime between 2040 and 2050.

Research done by the Seafood Choices Alliance, an international organization working to create a sustainable seafood marketplace, states that U.S. demand for seafood has steadily increased over the past 10 years and is projected to continue to grow. According to the Alliance, 50 percent of seafood in the U.S. and Europe is consumed in restaurants, making eateries excellent conduits to assist in the management of endangered or overfished seafood.

The members of Relais & Chateaux agreed to the following points that were presented at the Association's annual Congress:

1. Members are aware of the problem of dwindling seafood resources.

2. Members recognize the important role they can play in protecting seafood resources as professional purchasers of seafood and leaders in the restaurant industry.

3. Members agree to procure sustainable, sexually mature seafood, using ocean-friendly fishing methods.

4. Members agree to communicate their choices of seafood stock to consumers.

5. Members agree to no longer serve threatened species and to gradually remove them from their menus starting in 2010.

6. Given the urgent situation concerning red tuna (Atlantic and Mediterranean), Relais & Chateaux members agree to no longer serve this species as of January 1, 2010.

Relais & Chateaux is cooperating with the Seafood Choices Alliance in their quest to secure sustainable seafood supplies.

About Relais & Chateaux

Relais & Chateaux is an exclusive collection of 480 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 57 countries. Established in France in 1954, the Association's mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character. Relais & Chateaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony and unforgettable celebrations of the senses. From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Chateaux offers destinations for discovering each special place and country. The Relais & Chateaux signature reflects this ambition:

"ALL AROUND THE WORLD, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD."

www.relaischateaux.com

About the Seafood Choices Alliance

The Seafood Choices Alliance is an international SeaWeb program that creates opportunities for change across the seafood industry. The Alliance is about synergies and identifying creative solutions to long-held challenges. It encourages all sectors of the seafood industry along the road toward sustainability by building relationships and stimulating dialogue.

http://www.seafoodchoices.com

SOURCE Relais & Chateaux

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