Seabass Recommended Over Cod and Haddock in New Sustainable Fish Guide

British consumers are being urged to consider seabass, Alaskan pollock, or monkfish over traditional favorites like cod, haddock, and hake, according to the latest update of the Marine Conservation Society's Good Fish Guide. The guide, which assesses the sustainability of seafood, has seen the ratings for several popular white fish plummet.

The updated guide highlights that the status of fish stocks is constantly changing, meaning a species that was once a recommended choice may no longer be sustainable everywhere. "A fish that was a good choice a few years ago is not necessarily a good choice everywhere today," stated Kerry Lyne, Good Fish Guide Manager at the Marine Conservation Society. "Ratings on the Good Fish Guide show the latest scientific advice depending on the species, and where and how its caught or farmed."

Ratings are based on a scale from one to five, with one being the 'Best Choice' and five being 'Fish to Avoid.' European hake, previously recommended, has moved from a green to amber rating due to declining stocks and increased fishing pressure. Coley (also known as Saithe) caught around the UK has been classified as red due to population decline, with Northeast Arctic coley also dropping in its rating.

Haddock caught in waters around Iceland, a primary source for UK imports, has also shifted from green to amber because fishing pressure exceeds sustainable levels. However, haddock sourced from the North Sea, Skagerrak, and Scottish waters remains rated green.

The guide specifically recommends Alaska pollock from the Gulf of Alaska or Bering Sea, monkfish caught in the North Sea, Rockall, or West of Scotland, and most seabass. It advises caution for seabass from the West of Scotland and West of Ireland due to poor stock levels.

For shellfish, the recommendations include European lobster from Jersey certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Shetland MSC-certified brown crab, UK farmed blue mussels, and UK RAS farmed king prawns.

"The best thing we can all do if we eat seafood, is diversify our seafood choices and avoid those most under threat," Ms. Lyne added. "We need the UK Government to ensure better management is in place to recover and protect UK fisheries, many of which are in decline."

The Marine Conservation Society encourages consumers to consult the full Good Fish Guide online to understand the sustainability of their seafood choices.