Save the Fish (So We Can Eat Them): Beth Lowell of Oceana

February 12
39 mins

Episode Description

This is a Vintage episode from 2005.

Why You Should Listen

  • An early, still-relevant look at sustainable seafood
  • What “dirty fishing” and bycatch really mean
  • Practical advice for diners and restaurateurs
  • A snapshot of the 2005 Endangered Species Act debate


The Banter

Mark Pascal and Francis Schott react to a “health study” revealing that water is still king. The Guys spiral into soda culture, marketing myths, and one of the strangest beverage ideas of the era: nicotine beer.


The Conversation

Beth Lowell of Oceana joins The Restaurant Guys to ask the big question: can we keep eating fish the way we do now? She breaks down bycatch, sea turtles, and the hidden cost of industrial fishing — and explains how simple gear changes can reduce harm without shutting fishermen down. The Guys bring a restaurateur’s perspective to overfishing, mercury contamination, and the future of seafood.


The Inside Track

The Guys argue for common-sense conservation: not less seafood — smarter sourcing so there’s still fish worth serving years from now.


Time Stamps

  • 3:00 Water vs. soda
  • 6:00 Nicotine beer
  • 8:00 Beth Lowell joins
  • 9:20 Bycatch explained
  • 18:09 How Oceana helps
  • 25:41 What fish to eat or avoid
  • 28:28 Endangered Species Act (2005)
  • 34:05 Wrap-up


Guest Bio

Beth Lowell is an Ocean Wildlife Advocate with Oceana, an international organization focused on science-based ocean conservation and sustainable fishing practices.


From the Show

  • Oceana – oceana.org
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guides –  seafoodwatch.org


February 25 George Martinelli of Martinelli Winery

https://www.stageleft.com/event/22526-wine-dinner-w-george-martinelli-of-martinelli-winery/

March 12 Anthony Beckman of Balletto Vineyards

https://www.stageleft.com/event/31226-balleto-winemaker-dinner-w-anthony-beckman/

Become a Restaurant Guys' Regular!

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe

Magyar Bank

https://www.magbank.com/

Withum Accounting

 https://www.withum.com/restaurant




Our Places

Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/

Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/

Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/


To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguys

Reach Out to The Guys!
TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.com

**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**
Click Below!

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe

See all episodes

Never lose your place, on any device

Create a free account to sync, back up, and get personal recommendations.