The owner of an award-winning fish and chip shop has warned that cod could be wiped from all UK menus if current price trends continue. Cos Michael, a third-generation chip shop owner and managing director of Pisces Fish Bar in Heswall, Wirral, said cod is at a critical point due to a perfect storm of economic, environmental, and geopolitical pressures.
Michael, 41, who has worked in the industry since age 11, explained that cod prices have soared because of severely limited fishing quotas from overfishing, increased fuel and transport costs driven by the war in Ukraine and Middle East tensions, and international sanctions on Russian seafood disrupting the global supply chain. According to Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Fryers, there is now only a quarter of the cod available globally compared to six years ago, meaning everybody is fighting for the same fish.
Impact on Fish and Chip Shops
Michael said: "Cod is at a critical point. It's one of the biggest challenges facing the fish and chip industry, and it's something every shop has to take seriously. Sustainability has to come first if we want future generations to enjoy the same product." He noted that the issue is not just one thing but a combination of factors outside the industry's control, making sourcing high-quality cod significantly more expensive.
With household budgets under pressure, customers are becoming more selective about where they spend their money. Michael said: "People still want cod, but they also expect value for money. When they treat themselves they want the very best." He warned that if prices continue to rise, takeaways and restaurants may be forced to sell at a loss, and cod could be wiped from menus across the country.
Pisces Fish Bar's Success and Pricing
Pisces Fish Bar, which relocated from Moreton to Heswall, recently earned national recognition at the first-ever English edition of The Fish and Chip Awards. Michael said his family's long history in the industry has allowed him to build strong relationships with trusted suppliers and fishing boats, helping to mitigate some of the challenges.
Current prices at Pisces include a small Atlantic Prime Cod & Chips for £9.20 and a large for £13.00. Michael believes cod will become more limited over time unless stocks recover, and the industry must strike a balance between protecting the species and keeping fish and chips affordable for customers.
