It's long been monitored that the world's once inexhaustible oceans are rapidly becoming depleted by humanity's endless hunger. Now experts from throughout the seafood supply chain will convene at SeaWeb's ninth International Seafood Summit from January 31 to February 2, 2011, at The Westin Bayshore Hotel to discuss global perspectives on the theme "Responsibility without Borders?"

World-renowned businessman Yvon Chouinard, co-founder of outdoor outfitter Patagonia and the philanthropic initiative 1% for the Planet, will provide keynote remarks. The Summit will be opened with a blessing from Squamish Nation Elder Audrey Rivers. Other highlights will include a message from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

The Seafood Summit brings together global representatives from the seafood industry and conservation community for in-depth discussion with the goal of making the seafood marketplace environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Important issues such as sustainability and food security, traceability of seafood sources, impacts of ocean acidification, aquaculture, fair trade and certification, sustainability in developing nations along with the role of suppliers, chefs and others in the seafood chain will be discussed.

"We are at an important crossroads for the growing seafood sustainability movement," said SeaWeb President Dawn M. Martin. "Seafood is a global commodity and part of our global commons. As such, it is our collective responsibility to thoughtfully and collaboratively manage this valuable resource. The scope of this responsibility is enormous, the politics daunting and the economics critical, and it is just these challenges that underlie the theme of this year's Summit."

The Seafood Summit is internationally recognized as a key forum that inspires productive dialogue toward helping today's global business leaders, policymakers, producers, scientists and partners in the environmental movement critically examine the factors influencing progress toward a sustainable seafood market. For more information on the agenda or to register, please visit www.seafoodsummit.org.

Seafood Choices is an international program that provides leadership and creates opportunities for change across the seafood industry and ocean conservation community. We seek to create synergies and help identify creative solutions to long-held challenges. By building relationships and stimulating dialogue, Seafood Choices is encouraging and challenging all sectors of the seafood industry along the road toward sustainability. www.seafoodchoices.org

In addition to the Summit, SeaWeb is offering three unique field experiences that will provide invaluable insights into the production of sustainable seafood. The first involves an overnight trip (January 29-30, 2011) to Vancouver Island to explore shellfish production methods and includes visits to an oyster farm, oyster beds, a scallop farm, a shellfish hatchery, a state-of-the-art floating upwelling system (FLUPSY) and the stunning new Deep Bay Marine Field Station, offering a comprehensive look at local shellfish aquaculture. Cost: $150 USD.

The second field experience (February 3, 2011) will take participants to the Seattle area port of Ballard. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the docks and speak with local fishermen. The culture of this community will be front and center as the history of the halibut fishery, dynamics of international management and socioeconomics are presented by local management officials. Following an excursion to Pike Place Market, the day will end with a delicious dinner of black cod and halibut prepared by Seattle's leading chefs. Cost: $85 USD.

The third field experience will take place along the Vancouver coastline and is a 90 minute boat trip to learn firsthand about the B.C. spot prawn fishery from local fisherman Steve Johansen of Organic Ocean. There are no costs associated with this trip. Specific dates and times depend on participant interest.