Since 2009, Exploramer has been proposing Smarter Seafood, a program aimed at the sound management of the St. Lawrence marine resources. It encourages consumers, restaurants and fish markets of Quebec to incorporate the many edible but little-known species of the St. Lawrence into their habits, with a view to sustainable development and the protection of biodiversity.

In short, Smarter Seafood is an eco-guide for consumers, advising in the choice of local fish and seafood, and a certification for restaurants and fish markets. All in order to put Quebec fish on Quebecers’ table!

An eco-guide for consumers

Each year, Smarter Seafood publishes a list of valued St. Lawrence marine species. These species must meet the social and scientific criteria set by Exploramer team :

• The species is edible;
• In sufficient quantity in the St. Lawrence;
• The fishing technique is respectful of the seabed;
• The species needs a little help to become better known.

The Smarter Seafood eco-guide is THE reference in local fish and seafood for gastronomes, local products lovers, ecologists and consumers eager for culinary discoveries. Through its actions, Smarter Seafood aims to enable the sustainable development of the St. Lawrence, the economic development of coastal regions and the enhancement of our fisheries.

Dare to taste!

Certification for restaurants and fish markets

To date, Smarter Seafood certifies more than 200 restaurants and fish markets throughout Quebec. These establishments deliberately choose to take part in the sustainable development of the St. Lawrence and the development of the fishing industry here.

By giving priority to little-known St. Lawrence fish and seafood on their menus or at their counters, certified restaurants and fish markets give themselves a mandate to help consumers discover the marine species valued by Smarter Seafood.

To discover Quebec’s little-known marine products, visit the restaurants and fish shops that carry the Smarter Seafood logo and… dare to taste!

Become a Smarter Seafood member and contribute to the sustainable development of the St. Lawrence. As a member, you give Smarter Seafood the means to support the development of responsible fisheries and to pursue its actions towards minimising discards of little known but just as much succulent and nutritious species.

As a member, you will:

• Contribute to the collective challenge of protecting the marine biodiversity of the St. Lawrence;
• Show your support with Smarter Seafood and its objectives;
• Participate in a powerful collective force.

Smarter Seafood Member Benefits

Receive :

• A list of the species valued by Smarter Seafood;
• A list of certified restaurants and fish markets;
• Recipes developed by Quebec’s top chefs;
• A subscription to the Smarter Seafood newsletter;
• Invitations to Smarter Seafood activities throughout Quebec;
• 10% discount on the purchase of Smarter Seafood products at the Exploramer Museum boutique;
• 10% discount at the entrance of the Exploramer Museum.

Membership Categories

Membership is for one (1) year; thereafter, members must apply to renew their membership.

Click here to become a Smarter Seafood member or subscribe to the Smarter Seafood newsletter (in French only).