Why big fish may have had their chips

SMALLER PORTIONS of fish could be on the way because of the shrinking effect of climate change, an expert has warned.

Species such as cod, the mainstay of traditional British fish and chips, may be a fifth smaller by 2050, according to Canadian marine ecologist Dr William Cheung.

The reason is that climate change is reducing levels of oxygen in the oceans. Another effect of warming waters around the UK is likely to be a change of fish menus, believes Dr Cheung, from the University of British Columbia. With cod heading north to colder waters, fish commonly found off Spain and Portugal will routinely be hauled onto the decks of British trawlers. It could lead to alternative offerings of sea bass or anchovies and chips in fish bars.

As surface ocean temperatures rise, the water holds less oxygen for fish to breathe, said Dr Cheung, speaking at the 50th Anniversary Symposium of the Fisheries Society of the British Isles at the University of Exeter. Fish more easily become “out of breath” as they grow larger.

But efforts to reduce the impact of climate change and conservation programmes could make a big difference.

He said: “International actions in achieving the Paris Agreement will benefit Britain’s fisheries by substantially reducing climate impacts on fish stocks. At the same time, local actions that improve the health of fish stocks, and protect their critical habitats, can also reduce and help moderate climate impacts on the fisheries.”

A DeLorean car like the one in the film Back to the Future was in Millennium Square to promote the Orchestra of Opera North’s performance of the score to the film on July 30. Pictured are musicians Andy Fairley, David Greed and Liz Wyly.