Time Magazine Environmental Hero Casson Trenor

Casson Trenor’s life passion is ocean conservation. With rising concern over unsustainable fishing practices and recent alerts about the rapidly shrinking bluefin tuna population worldwide, consumers may finally be waking up to the state of our oceans. Because of his involvement in opening one of North America’s first fully sustainable sushi restaurants, and his expertise in marine resource management (as highlighted in Sustainable Sushi: A Guide to Saving the Oceans One Bite at a Time), Trenor was honored as one of Time magazine’s “Heroes of the Environment 2009!” I can’t think of a more ideal recipient!

Jacqueline Church of The Leather District Gourmet and The Nourish Network spoke with Casson Trenor just moments after he learned of the Time magazine environmental hero honor.

When did you first learn that you won this honor?

About four hours ago, sitting here in my hotel room in Amsterdam.

Describe the moment you picked up the magazine and saw/or learned about the award?

I haven’t seen the magazine yet!  But I got a google alert in my email, checked it, and… I dunno, I still can’t really believe it.  I’m so happy.

What started you on the path of sustainable sushi?

I love sushi… and I also love the ocean.  I guess it kind of grew out of that.  I realize that the ocean is in serious trouble, and the art of sushi will be lost if we can’t heal our planet.  I don’t want that to happen… it seems like such a dismal prospect.  I want my children and their children to know both the beauty and magnificence of a healthy ocean and the taste and experience of sushi.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of this conversation and learn the 5 best sustainable sushi options, and the 5 everyone should avoid.

CLICK HERE to read more about Time magazine’s “Heroes of the Environment 2009.”

CLICK HERE to learn more about Sustainable Sushi: A Guide to Saving the Oceans One Bite at a Time.

CLICK HERE to visit Casson Trenor’s SustainableSushi.net.