Conscious Cuisine

SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES

In the Bradenton Area, several initiatives keep the local fishing business a leader in sustainability. 

“The commercial fishing culture here in Cortez is deep-rooted, going back over 100 years. Now, our commercial fisheries are some of the most sustainable in the country,” said Captain Jarrod McKenzie, a local commercial and charter fisherman. “It’s our role to ensure that future generations can catch the same crabs and fish for the next 100 years.” 

“In fact,” says McKenzie, “the stone crab fishery is 100 percent the most sustainable fishery I’ve ever been a part of.” 

Because stone crabs can re-grow claws, when they are caught, only one claw is taken, and the crab is released back into the water. A year or two later, that same crab has a large claw and a small claw, and the fishers will take the largest claw and again release the crab. Because stone crabs are generally only served from October through May, the crab fishery is healthy, continually growing and regenerating. 

The snook fishery is another example of the local fishing community prioritizing the long-term health of the fish population. McKenzie has caught young female snook and routinely releases them back into the water so they can breed.  

FARM-TO-FORK PRODUCE

Gamble Creek Farms is a 26-acre certified organic farm that grows more than 100 species of fruits and vegetables, herbs and perennials — and nearly all of its harvest supplies numerous restaurants in the Bradenton Area. This partnership allows visitors to enjoy fruits and vegetables picked within hours of being served. The crispness, juiciness, and flavor of local Bradenton Area produce are unequivocally superior to produce shipped to arrive on your plate. Gamble Creek Farm also adheres to a 360-degree philosophy to generate minimal waste by composting trimmings for fertilizer.