The importance of choosing sustainable fish has been widely reported in the media as many species of fish are thought to be at threat from over-fishing. In fact, some marine experts have warned that half of the world’s fish stocks are at risk. However European Union regulations, designed to combat the problem, are forcing fishermen to discard fish with no benefit to fish stocks or to the fishermen who need to make a living.
So how can we do our bit to ensure that we are buying fish in a responsible way?
- Don’t just stick to haddock, cod, salmon, tuna and prawns which account for around 80% of fish bought in supermarkets in the UK each week. Instead try sustainable species such as Pollock or Coley.
- If you’re lucky enough to live near to a fishing community, try to choose fish that has been caught locally. You’ll not only be supporting the local economy but fewer air miles will have been used to get the fish to you.
- Give oily fish a try. Fish such as herring, mackerel and sprats are a sustainable choice and they’re also high in omega-3 fatty acids making them one of the healthiest choices too.
- When buying tuna, check that it has been caught using ‘pole and line’ methods as this avoids other species such as dolphins, sharks and turtles being caught at the same time.
- Check supermarket labels for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) accreditation. The MSC develops standards for sustainable fishing and ensures that MSC-labelled products can be traced to a sustainable fishery.
For more information, visit: www.msc.org
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