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Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise™ Ambassador Profile: Chef Scott Henderson of the Shangri-La Hotel

Vancouver Is Awesome is a proud sponsor of Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise™ program , created in 2005 to address overfishing, the single biggest threat facing our oceans today.

Vancouver Is Awesome is a proud sponsor of Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise™ program, created in 2005 to address overfishing, the single biggest threat facing our oceans today. What started as a local conservation initiative has grown into a nation-wide program with over 480 partners spanning coast to coast.

With the leadership of passionate ocean ambassadors, the Aquarium has been able to turn the tides to help conserve our oceans and the aquatic life that depend on them. In this series we introduce you to some of these Ocean Wise ambassadors in Vancouver.

Words: Charlene Chiang, Vancouver Aquarium

Chef Scott Henderson | Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver

Proud Ocean Wise partner since 2013

Scott-Henderson

Why is Ocean Wise important to you?

I’ve grown up around local sustainable products, so farm or ocean to table has always been the norm. We’re so lucky here in Vancouver, the staples of West Coast cuisine are fresh seafood and shellfish, and we are fortunate to have an abundance of those products at the ready. Ocean Wise gives chefs a superior product to cook with. It is a big undertaking to be able to offer sustainable seafood throughout the entire hotel, but it was important to be able to offer our guests that reassurance that they are making ocean-friendly seafood choices.

What is your favourite Ocean Wise seafood and how do you like it prepared?

There is some amazing seafood here on the West Coast, it’s hard to choose just one, although I am a big shellfish fan; BC spot prawns and Qualicum scallops are two of my favorite. I love them very simply cooked or ceviche.

When did you discover your love of food?

I have been around food all my life. I grew up on a farm in the UK, near Manchester, and using your own produce is where I learnt a lot of respect for food.

What would you consider to be your favourite kitchen gadget?

My knives.

Which ingredient could you not live without?

Butter and olive oil, both are natural and make anything taste good.

Sweet or savoury?

Both.

What’s the most amazing dish you’ve ever tasted?

I couldn’t pick just one dish, it’s too difficult. I also think it is about the whole experience you have.

Which establishment do you most frequent in Vancouver?

I have really enjoyed the food and atmosphere at Wildebeest; it’s contemporary without being fussy.

If you could turn back time, which unsustainable seafood choice would you bring back from the brink?

We should be aiming to make all our oceans and fish sustainable, but monkfish is one that I miss.

What would be your perfect last supper?

One that never ended.

With whom would you enjoy it?

Friends and family, it’s the people you’re with that make the experience.

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About Ocean Wise™

The Ocean Wise symbol next to a seafood item is the Vancouver Aquarium’s assurance of an ocean-friendly seafood choice. With over 480 Ocean Wise partners at more than 3,100 locations across Canada, Ocean Wise makes it easy for consumers to make sustainable seafood choices that ensure the health of our oceans for generations to come. www.oceanwise.ca

Follow at @vancouveraqua and @ocean_wise