Britons are being urged to eat Alaska pollock and most seabass because of their healthy levels in the ocean, while avoiding certain varieties due to dwindling stocks.
Alaska pollock from the Gulf of Alaska or the Bering Sea, monkfish caught in the North Sea, Rockall or West of Scotland, and most seabass are recommended to Britons. European lobster from Jersey, Shetland brown crab, and UK-farmed blue mussels are also on the Marine Conservation Society's (MSC) list of fish for people to enjoy.
Bluefin tuna recovery
UK Atlantic bluefin tuna has shown "huge" signs of population recovery from historic lows and has received a new green rating in the guide, meaning it is the "most sustainable option". However, the environmental charity's annual ranking has warned people to avoid seabass from the West of Scotland and the West of Ireland because of poor stocks.
Ratings for 29 fish have moved down the sustainability scale, while 11 have improved. European hake caught in the North Sea, Celtic Seas, or Bay of Biscay—long recommended as a swap for cod—have moved from green to amber because of declining stocks and increased fishing pressure.
Expert advice
Kerry Lyne, Good Fish Guide manager at the MSC, said: "The status of fish stocks are continuously changing, and for consumers, it means that simply choosing a species isn't enough. A fish that was a good choice a few years ago is not necessarily a good choice everywhere today. Ratings on the Good Fish Guide show the latest scientific advice depending on the species, and where and how it's caught or farmed. The best thing we can all do if we eat seafood, is diversify our seafood choices and avoid those most under threat. 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 MSC is calling on the Government to set fishing quotas in line with scientific advice and strengthen international co-operation on the management of shared fish stocks.
Call for continued monitoring
Chris Graham, head of ocean regeneration and sustainable seafood at the MCS, said: "The resurgence of tuna in UK seas can certainly be partly attributed to better fisheries management brought in over 20 years ago, following decades of overfishing. We're now pleased to see a small, well-managed fishery in place, but caution must prevail, and this iconic species must be monitored closely so the health of the UK population can continue to improve."
