1 Mar 2024|Cuisine
Dining on tuna tartare in Indonesia’s spice islands, sampling fresh market produce in the Peruvian Amazon, discovering the secret recipes of a famed Master Chef — diverse and delicious culinary experiences are vital to understanding and appreciating local culture and community. But in today’s greener, cleaner travel world, it matters how that delicate seafood, tangy salad or succulent steak winds up on our plate.
It’s no secret that today’s discerning traveler is keeping tabs on the sustainability of their gastronomic adventures. From traceability to labor, local economies and social concerns – Aqua Expeditions is on a journey towards sustainable food sourcing; one that starts with local fishermen and farmers in small villages and continues into our ship’s creative kitchens.
Bali Sustainable Seafoods
Across our fleet, seafood is carefully sourced from local, small-scale fishing co-ops, working within the pristine and precious waters Aqua Expeditions sails and explores with our guests. Bali Sustainable Seafoods (BSS) has been the majority supplier across our Indonesian operations since 2019 – supplying fresh seafood for Aqua Blu expeditions.
Small-scale fisheries (SSF) provide crucial contributions to local communities — their livelihoods, food security, and the wellbeing of coastal populations worldwide depend on the sustainability of their daily catch. In Indonesia, 2.5 million households are involved in SSF production, yet these households have high poverty rates due to declining ecosystem health and climate change.
Our partners at BSS are committed to turning the tide for Indonesia’s hardworking fishermen and their families through sensitive, innovative, and sustainable fishing practices, especially on small vessels. This way of life ensures a steady supply of fresh, high-quality fish, and ensures the ocean’s ongoing health and longevity in the region.
Based in Bali, BSS is a leading developer of eco fisheries around Indonesia. Their goals are to protect the natural environment and ensure ecological sustainability by using low impact fishing methods that ensure the bounty of the ocean will be enjoyed by future generations.
Bali Sustainable Seafoods
Across our fleet, seafood is carefully sourced from local, small-scale fishing co-ops, working within the pristine and precious waters Aqua Expeditions sails and explores with our guests. Bali Sustainable Seafoods (BSS) has been the majority supplier across our Indonesian operations since 2019 – supplying fresh seafood for Aqua Blu expeditions.
Small-scale fisheries (SSF) provide crucial contributions to local communities — their livelihoods, food security, and the wellbeing of coastal populations worldwide depend on the sustainability of their daily catch. In Indonesia, 2.5 million households are involved in SSF production, yet these households have high poverty rates due to declining ecosystem health and climate change.
Our partners at BSS are committed to turning the tide for Indonesia’s hardworking fishermen and their families through sensitive, innovative, and sustainable fishing practices, especially on small vessels. This way of life ensures a steady supply of fresh, high-quality fish, and ensures the ocean’s ongoing health and longevity in the region.
Based in Bali, BSS is a leading developer of eco fisheries around Indonesia. Their goals are to protect the natural environment and ensure ecological sustainability by using low impact fishing methods that ensure the bounty of the ocean will be enjoyed by future generations.
Sustainability at Sea
Destructive bottom trawling and overfishing are destroying marine life and habitats. Low impact handline fishing avoids nets and allows for traceability of the fish. This artisanal and ancient method also avoids catching juvenile fish and by-catch of protected species like marine mammals, turtles, and sharks. These small-scale methods ensure the long-term viability of the fishery, which in turn passes on long-term community and social benefits.
Technology is also playing a role in empowering smaller scale fishing operators. Since 2019, BSS has donated handheld GPS devices to their tuna fishermen in Seram Island — vital technology which provides a wealth of useful information on borders, weather conditions and optimal locations for a larger catch. Once the fish are ethically caught, BSS portions up any produce ordered to within a 5-gram specification, maximizing waste reduction onboard our Aqua Blu vessel kitchen.
Sustainability at Sea
Destructive bottom trawling and overfishing are destroying marine life and habitats. Low impact handline fishing avoids nets and allows for traceability of the fish. This artisanal and ancient method also avoids catching juvenile fish and by-catch of protected species like marine mammals, turtles, and sharks. These small-scale methods ensure the long-term viability of the fishery, which in turn passes on long-term community and social benefits.
Technology is also playing a role in empowering smaller scale fishing operators. Since 2019, BSS has donated handheld GPS devices to their tuna fishermen in Seram Island — vital technology which provides a wealth of useful information on borders, weather conditions and optimal locations for a larger catch. Once the fish are ethically caught, BSS portions up any produce ordered to within a 5-gram specification, maximizing waste reduction onboard our Aqua Blu vessel kitchen.