Last updated: 3 July, 2024 @ 18:15
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has released the latest update to its Good Fish Guide.
The guide uses a ‘traffic light’ system to rate how sustainable a fishery is. Red ratings are given to seafood or a fishery that is to be avoided, amber is acceptable but in need of improvement, and green is rated as ‘best choice to buy’ seafood.
Mixed news
Much like the last update back in October 2021, it’s a mixture of both good and bad news for seafood lovers.
Key changes include Monkfish from the North Sea and west of Scotland moving to a red rating, as do some Scottish Brown Crab and Lobsters.
The MCS also says that various skates and rays will stay on the Fish to Avoid list as they remain vulnerable to overfishing. They say that there are ‘no green rated options for any skates or rays, and only a few amber rated options’, and advise to ‘check the Good Fish Guide carefully before buying’.
SW Monkfish populations ‘among highest on record’
However, there is good news. Herring and Sardines from some fisheries are now rated as ‘best choice to buy’ species, joining fish such as Hake, Mackerel and Sprats as being ‘green rated’.
Meanwhile, Monkfish populations in the southwest are said to be ‘among the highest on record’.
‘Great to see’
Charlotte Coombes, Good Fish Guide manager said: “It’s great to see some key UK species joining the Best Choice list with this update to the guide, including some firm favourites.
“With 141 Best Choice seafood options, there’s plenty to choose from to support sustainable fisheries.”
The Good Fish Guide is a free resource and is found here.