Eat well and help the ocean? Yes, we can!

We believe in generating positive impact at Hidden Worlds via the most entertaining experiences. And what is more entertaining than a fun night out with great people, fantastic drinks, and delectable dishes served on tables that come alive?

With our eating habits driving more than one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions* and our agricultural industry contributing significantly to the ongoing mass extinction of flora and fauna, can we eat well and help nature? What about our ocean, where nearly 90% of the world’s marine fish stocks are now fully exploited, overexploited, or depleted?

Yes, we can!

Ocean Positive dining: An exciting new way to approach seafood

At Hidden Worlds, we focus on ingredients that support the following:

1. Establishment of carbon sinks
2. Promotion of water quality
3. Eradication of invasive species
4. Maintenance of population control

We highlight this below

Establishing carbon sinks: Kelp & Seaweed

Kelp and seaweed sequester carbon and filter the water. They provide a habitat for marine life, are an essential part of the oceanic food web, hold medicinal properties, and are a fantastic source of nutrients and vitamins. Kelp and seaweed also prevent erosion and keep our communities safe. Kelp and seaweed are often farmed together with bivalves or food crops for abalone, increasingly farmed for human consumption and repopulation efforts.

Supporting water quality: Oysters, Clams, Scallops & Mussels

Eating bivalves replenish lost vitamins and nutrients and are an excellent source of protein. These filter feeders serve as the purifying lungs of the oceans and support water quality. A great way to support local fishing communities if sourced correctly.

Eradicating invasive species: Lionfish, Cobia & Green Crabs

Invasive species can reduce diversity and disrupt the health of entire ecosystems. But they can also be delicious. For example, cobia has become invasive in certain regions after escaping aquaculture farms. Similarly, the green crab is considered one of the most invasive species. It has few predators, destroys seagrass, and competes with local species for food and habitat.

Maintaining population control: Sea Urchin

Overpopulations of sea urchins can devastate kelp forests and coral reefs. When prepared correctly, the sea urchin is a delicious way to help save the ocean. The purple sea urchin, for example, is a smaller and more delicate species that is already highly prized in Japan.

Is Ocean Positive vegan?

While plant-based diets are beneficial to the planet, Ocean Positive includes animal-based proteins. With invasive species, for example, humans are often the only hope to manage these threats. If it’s up to us to control these populations, we can replace overfished options in our diets with these invasive species. The lionfish is another example. Lionfish overpopulation is destructive to coral reefs. If the solution is to kill them, why not eat them. With this in mind, we understand that not everyone can consume seafood. That is why we will also offer plant-based dining options.

Our job as impact agents is to build the most amazing inclusive experiences for everyone. This includes those that have not yet adopted a plant-based or ocean-positive diet. We create experiences that drive change, and we don’t want to preach to the choir.