Last week’s 17th Annual FCA Manhattan Cup, presented by the Fishermen’s Conservation Association was once again a great success. The strictly catch and release event benefits Wounded Warriors and Jacob’s Team, an autism awareness and support group. But the big news announced at Friday evening’s awards dinner, was the establishment of a new Save Our Stripers Campaign, led by celebrity chef and avid angler Kerry Heffernan. The plan involves a pledge by restaurant owners and chefs not to serve striped bass in their restaurants.
Kerry’s status in the industry and his network of some of the best and most respected chefs in New York and across the country, along with the help of another famous chef and dedicated angler, Tom Colicchio, have enlisted the support of renowned chefs such as PJ Calapa, Harold Dieterle, Floyd Cardoz and Dave Pasternack.
Still in its infancy, more than 40 New York City restaurants have already pledged to remove striped bass from their menus. A similar movement years ago impacted significantly on reducing the demand for swordfish in the marketplace. With the full support of FCA, it is hoped that this campaign raises awareness to the plight of striped bass, and encourages adapting to other sustainable species through responsible harvesting, now and in the future.
