The Marine Conservation Society has updated its Good Fish Guide in line with the latest scientific advice, according to the organization. There are no longer any recommended choices for UK-caught cod according to the Marine Conservation Society's Good Fish Guide. UK cod populations have been in decline since 2015 due to overfishing, climate-driven changes in sea temperatures and ecosystem pressures that affect breeding, the society reports. Remaining cod stocks in the sea off the north of the UK have slipped further down the ratings, meaning any cod eaten here should now be imported from abroad, the guide indicates. The specific scientific data or studies that informed this update have not been detailed, but the Marine Conservation Society said the changes reflect ongoing pressures on fisheries.
For alternatives, the Marine Conservation Society recommends European hake as an alternative to UK-caught cod. The best choice for cod is Icelandic cod caught by longline or gillnet according to the Marine Conservation Society. The Good Fish Guide encourages people to avoid cod caught in the Arctic. Some UK haddock remains a good option, with the best choices being those caught in the North Sea or West of Scotland, the society notes. According to the Marine Conservation Society, Good Fish Guide Manager Kerry Lyne stated that the challenge isn't that fish and chips will disappear, but that the species must be sourced from further afield.
The challenge isn't that fish and chips will disappear, but that the species must be sourced from further afield.
For scampi, UK-caught scampi (langoustines) have been downgraded in sustainability ratings because fishing levels have been above recommended amounts for years and populations are declining, the Marine Conservation Society says. The decline's significance in terms of percentage or biomass has not been quantified. For scampi, it's best to choose langoustines caught by pot or creel rather than trawled, conservationists advise. UK-farmed king prawns are suggested as an alternative to scampi with a much lower environmental impact, experts say.
Mackerel is now red-rated in the Good Fish Guide, meaning consumers are advised to completely avoid it, according to the Marine Conservation Society. Mackerel was taken off the shelves by retailers including Waitrose, the society reports. Which other retailers besides Waitrose have removed mackerel from shelves, and what is the timeline for this action, remains unclear.
As pressure grows on traditional choices like cod and scampi, the Good Fish Guide highlights more sustainable alternatives and shows how consumer choices can support healthier local fish stocks and better-managed fisheries.
The UK imports around 80 percent of the seafood it consumes, according to the Marine Conservation Society. The Marine Conservation Society is calling for improved management of domestic fisheries to help rebuild stocks and reduce reliance on imports. The specific measures the Marine Conservation Society is proposing for improved management have not been outlined. According to the Marine Conservation Society, Kerry Lyne added that as pressure grows on traditional choices like cod and scampi, the Good Fish Guide highlights more sustainable alternatives and shows how consumer choices can support healthier local fish stocks and better-managed fisheries.
The Good Fish Guide recommends well-managed UK options such as seabass from the North Sea, English Channel and Celtic Sea, or plaice from the North Sea, the Marine Conservation Society says. The projected economic impacts on the UK fish and chip industry from these sustainability changes are unknown.