Last updated: 1 October, 2024 @ 11:42
Research commissioned for the Marine Stewardship Council’s Sustainable Seafood September campaign has revealed that 12% of those polled believed John Dory to be a famous poet – and not one of the UK’s best fish to eat.
In fact, the survey – the results of which present a generally bleak picture when it comes to the UK’s seafood knowledge – found that 55% didn’t even know that the magnificent John Dory was a fish.
Even more alarming is the fact that six percent of those surveyed believe hake to be a garden tool, whilst 10% thought coley was a breed of dog.
John Dory isn’t alone on the list of incredible UK species overlooked by consumers. More than half of those surveyed (53%) said they had never tried red mullet, turbot (51%), or coley (50%).
Meanwhile, 46% of respondents said they had never tasted monkfish, with 43% saying they hadn’t had cockles.
More adventurous with seafood
The MSC says, that ‘despite some gaps in knowledge’ (that’s putting it mildly) 52% of Brits are ‘self-professed fish lovers’.
However, despite this adoration, a huge 86% admitted to only eating fish they know, rather than trying new types.
Unsurprisingly, the ‘big five’ species consumers said they ate the most were: cod (70%), tuna (58%), salmon (53%), haddock (50%) and prawns (46%).
Only 39% of respondents said they would feel confident cooking a whole fish, while ‘too many bones’ (36%), ‘too expensive’ (29%), not being sure they’ll like it (26%), and not knowing how to prepare it (23%) were given as the main reasons people stick to what they know.
The survey also found that 43% of Brits ‘only eat fish if it is in batter or breadcrumbs’.
However, in a rare glimmer of hope, 79% of those surveyed said they would like to be more adventurous with fish and seafood.
Sustainable seafood choices
“This poll shows that there’s a fantastic opportunity for Brits to improve their fish knowledge and seafood skills,” said George Clark, MSC UK & Ireland programme director.
“Seafood lovers can still enjoy their favourites – cod, haddock, salmon, prawns and tuna – as long as they choose the blue MSC ecolabel when shopping.
“But this Sustainable Seafood September, we’re also encouraging people to try something different, and particularly the sustainable variety of fish and seafood caught by fishing communities around the UK. When it’s a sustainable choice, there are plenty more fish in the sea – literally!
“Sustainable, locally-caught options from around the UK include MSC-certified sardines and hake from Cornwall, coley from Scotland, mussels, crab and scallops from Shetland and cockles from Poole Harbour and Leigh-on-Sea.”
Delicious fish and seafood species out there
James Strawbridge, chef, writer and MSC UK Ambassador said: “Trying new varieties of fish can sometimes be a little bit daunting, as this research shows.
“And as a chef, I think it’s really important to support the UK public on learning the different types of amazing and delicious fish and seafood species that are out there, and gaining the confidence and skills to buy, prepare and cook them.
“For me there’s nothing better than pan frying a fresh hake fillet, or barbecuing a wonderful fresh scallop right on the grill.”
Read more about the MSC’s Sustainable Seafood September campaign.