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May 23, 2013

Oceana CEO Andy Sharpless Discusses His New Book, The Perfect Protein

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Nine billion of us are estimated to be on the planet by 2050, and the demand for food will increase by 70 percent above today’s levels. If land and fresh water are already under strain, how in the world are we going to feed a population that grows by 220,000 mouths every day? Well, the ocean conservation measures you champion as an Oceana supporter can, believe it or not, help make a huge difference. You can find out how in my new book, The Perfect Protein, which can be pre-ordered now from Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Indiebound.

The book shares what I’ve learned while leading Oceana for the last 10 years. I’ve discovered that policy victories do not only help make our oceans more biodiverse and full of wonderful creatures (like sea turtles and sharks); they can also increase the amount of seafood available for consumption, particularly for the billion people on Earth who already rely on seafood as a primary source of animal protein—many of them in developing countries.

You will be pleased to learn that ocean conservation is a win-win for both the oceans and people. The same policy outcomes that you support because they protect and promote the future of sea turtles, sharks and other life in the sea will also ultimately result in more seafood for a hungry planet. And, because just ten countries manage two-thirds of the world’s wild seafood, we can save the oceans and feed the world in the near future.

I found this idea so revolutionary and hopeful that I felt compelled to write a book explaining the amazing connection between ocean conservation and fighting hunger. The book also includes a forward from President Bill Clinton and sustainable recipes from twenty-one top chefs, including Mario Batali, April Bloomfield, Emeril Lagasse and Eric Ripert.

Although The Perfect Protein will not be released until May 28, 2013, you can help us get the word out by pre-ordering the book today from your favorite bookseller and by telling your family and friends. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the book will go right back to Oceana and support our conservation efforts.

Unlike poultry, pork, beef, and other animal proteins, wild seafood requires no land and minimal fresh water, and produces far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than other animal protein. If we restore the world’s fisheries and choose to fish our oceans in a responsible manner, we could provide 700 million seafood meals a day, forever.

I believe that The Perfect Protein takes the work we do here at Oceana to another level. Not only will sales support our work, but it promotes the novel idea that protecting the oceans can provide healthy and nutritious meals to millions of hungry people around the world.

I hope you will share some interesting ideas (and sustainable seafood recipes) from The Perfect Protein with your friends and family. Together, we can save the oceans and feed the world.

For the oceans,
Andrew Sharpless
Chief Executive Officer