November is for remembrance, and in recent years it's also the month we tolerate unsightly facial hair to raise awareness for prostate cancer.

November is important for another crucial cause as well: it's Ocean Wise month.

For the last five years, consumers across B.C. and, more increasingly, across the country, are noticing a circular icon with a fish in the centre alongside their favourite seafood dish at restaurants, campus cafeterias, and retailers.

This is the Ocean Wise symbol, an icon designed to help consumers easily identify sustainable seafood options. If your favourite menu item or seafood product has an Ocean Wise symbol next to it you can enjoy it guilt-free, knowing the Ocean Wise logo is the trusted symbol of ocean-friendly choices.

The program was launched by the Vancouver Aquarium, and identifies seafood as Ocean Wise based on four main requirements:

1. It is abundant and resilient to fishing pressure.

2. It is managed as part of a comprehensive plan based on current research.

3. It is harvested in ways that limit by-catch of other, possibly, endangered species.

4. It is harvested in ways that limit damage to ocean habitats.

In a recent press release, Mike McDermid, Ocean Wise partner relations manager said it's a simple equation.

"Overfishing is taking out more fish from the ocean than the ocean can sustainably produce." It is the No. 1 threat to our oceans today.

With the support of industry partners -- including restaurants, food services, retail outlets and suppliers -- The Vancouver Aquarium has lead the initiative to ensure the health of our oceans, one sustainable seafood choice at a time.

In cities across Canada, consumers are now able to find the most sustainable seafood options simply by looking for the Ocean Wise symbol.

There are several ways that you can participate in Ocean Wise month.

n Eat: Visit www.oceanwise.ca and check out the searchable map of partner restaurants, grocery stores and caterers. Find one near you and enjoy.

n Cook: The Ocean Wise Cookbook: Seafood Recipes That Are Good for the Planet is now available. The book offers a mouthwatering collection of the best Canadian sustainable seafood recipes, which you can try at home.

n Speak: If your favorite seafood restaurant doesn't know about the Ocean Wise Program, tell them what you know. The Ocean Wise program relies on consumers knowing and understanding the value of choosing sustainable seafood products. Becoming a partner is easy, point any interested new partner towards our website, oceanwise.ca to find out how.

n Share: with your family, friends and co-workers. The more people who know about Ocean Wise, the more we can do our part to help sustain ocean life.

n Celebrate! Buy a ticket for the third annual Ocean Wise Chowder ChowDown taking place Nov. 24 at the Vancouver Aquarium, from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $40 (non-members) and $32 (members).

Twelve of B.C.'s top Ocean Wise chefs will dish up their best chowder in competition for the Best Sustainable Seafood Chowder on the West Coast, and 12 top B.C. craft brewers will provide delicious pairings. Celebrity Judges include writer Jamie Maw, celeb chef David Hawksworth and blogger Miss604.

Find out more at www.oceanwise.ca.