Chef, recipe developer and Marine Stewardship Council Ocean Ambassador James Strawbridge talks about his passion for the sea
If I can’t taste, or at the very least smell, salt in the air, I’m too far from the sea for my liking. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the coast. Some of my earliest memories are of being on the coast of Antrim in Northern Ireland, and of family holidays in France and Italy, where I developed my love of mussels and quality seafood – it’s just where I feel at home.
I’ve visited most of the south coast of England and am now lucky to call the Cornish coast home for me, my wife and three children. In the morning, I can walk the coast path with the dogs and drink in the ever-changing views, forage for seaweed in the afternoon, join the kids for gig-racing (rowing) in the evening, before watching the sunset from a hidden cove or small beach.
As a chef and MSC Ambassador, living by the coast means my ocean larder is on the doorstep – which in Cornwall means fabulous sustainable species like Cornish hake and sardines. I’ve also visited the MSC-certified brown crab and scallop fishery in Shetland, which is the epitome of community and cohesion. There is nothing more important than choosing ingredients that make a positive impact and taste good. I’m in the privileged position of being a guardian of the environment, helping to preserve it so my children and generations to come can continue to enjoy it as much as I have.
For more information, visit msc.org/uk.
