Morning:
12°c
Scacchi calls for boycott against restaurants that put endangered fish on menu
Aline Nassif08.06.09
Film star Greta Scacchi today urged Londoners to boycott restaurants that continue to serve endangered fish species like bluefin tuna.
The actress - inspired by a new documentary End Of The Line, in cinemas from today - asked people to give active support to sustainable fishing.
Ms Scacchi, who starred in White Mischief and Presumed Innocent, will be joined by other famous faces including actors Alan Rickman, Colin Firth and Sir Ian McKellen and restaurateur Tom Aikens at a private screening of the film.
The mother of two said: "We have to put a stop to this free-for-all plundering of the sea. At the rate we're going, the sea will only be inhabited by worms and jellyfish in 40 years' time.
"When I saw the film at its premiere I was shaken to the core. As a mother and actress I implore everyone to boycott restaurants that don't support sustainable fishing.
"I'd also like the Government to get on board and legislate against unethical fishing practices."
Michelin-starred restaurant Nobu has come under attack for still serving bluefin tuna, despite advising customers on its menu to avoid ordering the dish.
Last week more than 30 Nobu regulars, including stars Elle McPherson, Sienna Miller, Stephen Fry and Sting, signed a letter asking it to stop.
Ms Scacchi said: "I don't like to point the finger at certain restaurants, but I hope they all sit up and listen. If that doesn't work, perhaps the Government could step in to make sure they do.
"My campaign starts today, and I've invited a lot of high-profile actors, chefs and even members of the Government for maximum effect."
The End Of The Line was inspired by journalist Charles Clover's book about overfishing.
After tonight's screening the celebrities will support London's Soseki restaurant, which refuses to serve bluefin tuna and has won awards for aiding animal and seafood welfare.
Ms Scacchi is also launching a poster campaign with other celebrities including Emilia Fox, Richard E Grant, Terry Gilliam and Lenny Henry.
Bluefin tuna is popular with sushi chefs and fetches high prices in Japan, but breeding stocks are at an all-time low.
Reader views (4)
As far as I know, fish cannot breath for long on dry land. A better photo would be Ms Scacchi in the ocean with the Cod. Did this specimin survive the promo shoot?
- Jan, Lexington, KY
It IS a worthwhile cause. Do you mean that slebs should choose only the most populist causes, the ones that many people are already aware of and already support?
- Eliza, UK
This IS a worthwhile cause. But the struggle may be doomed to failure, under the present totally ruthless economic system. Even Greenpeace has begun to admit this kind of thing. People have fished tuna in the Mediterranean since, presumably, the Stone Age. Only today is the tuna supply running out -- and no prizes for guessing why!
- Pia, edinburgh, uk
She might as well bang her head against the wall. If we cannot stop people hunting whales what chance have we of saving Tuna. I wish the celebs would choice a worthwhile cause if they are going to moan in public
- Ge, Kernow
