Sustainable swaps to help save our oceans
Eating a greater range of sustainable, locally caught fish and seafood could help restore the health of our seas and protect the wider environment. Here’s how…
When it comes to the fish and seafood we buy in the UK, it seems that we are creatures of habit. Just five popular species (cod, haddock, tuna, salmon and prawns) make up 80% of the seafood we eat*, and our preference for a handful of types of fish and seafood is contributing to the problem of overfishing. With recent research by ocean conservation charity Oceana showing that only a third of the fish stocks in the waters around the UK are in a healthy state, this is a problem we need to tackle fast.
‘Our reliance on such a tiny array of seafood options is not only dull, it’s playing havoc with our oceans, leading to overfishing and unscrupulous fish farming practices to meet demand,’ explains Jack Clarke, sustainable seafood advocate at the Marine Conservation Society (MCS). Eating a greater range of more sustainable, locally sourced fish can help take some of the pressure off overfished species and is better for the environment. Try these simple swaps recommended by the MCS Good Fish Guide (mcsuk.org/ goodfishguide).
UK cod stocks are currently in a very bad state. If you want to eat cod, look for cod caught in the waters around Iceland, where stocks are still healthy. Alternatively, buy European hake instead, which are currently doing well. Uk-farmed scallops and rope-grown mussels have a low environmental impact, so they’re a great swap for prawns imported from around the world. The sustainability of tuna varies enormously, depending on where it’s from and how it’s caught. Can’t find skipjack or albacore tuna caught with a pole and line or a handline? Swap for UK mackerel (ideally caught with a handline). Rainbow trout that’s been farmed in freshwater ponds in the UK is a more sustainable choice than wild Atlantic salmon or most farmed salmon. If you are going to buy salmon, organic or farmed salmon that’s approved by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is your best bet. If you can find it, Arctic char farmed in the UK is a more sustainable choice. Msc-certified coley is a good swap for haddock and it’s often cheaper.