Your questions

How ethical is Waitrose when it comes to fish? What is it doing to protect endangered species? What about those people who say we shouldn't eat fish at all? Questions, questions. Here are some answers to ease your mind.

Should I be looking out for a particular label?
Waitrose has been working on sustainable and responsible sourcing for all its fish for well over 10 years. We have a rigorous policy covering the management of the fishery, the species, methods of capture and full traceability, with a clear mission to only sell responsibly caught fish. This policy extends to all our farmed fish which are reared with high regard for both the quality and welfare of the fish, and impact on the environment.

We are supporters of the Marine Stewardship Council. Look out for their logo on certified fish.

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Is it all farmed or can I still buy wild fish?
There are some parts of the world with healthy fish stocks, particularly Iceland. All Waitrose own-label fresh and frozen fish comes from well-managed fisheries from around the World such as cod and haddock from Iceland and sardines and mackerel from Cornwall.

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What does sustainable mean?
For Waitrose to consider a fish to be sustainable it must be a species that isn't threatened in the area in which it is caught. It must be from a well-managed fishery and caught using the most responsible methods. Plus, it must be traceable from catch to consumer to ensure that no illegally caught fish are sold.

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I've heard line-caught is the best method for catching fish, but doesn't this cause problems for birds?
Line fishing is a very sustainable method, but one of the biggest problems is that seabirds are attracted to the baited hooks. The vessels that supply Waitrose use extra weighting to ensure that the baited hooks sink before the birds can become entangled. They also use streamers and buoys as a deterrent, following RSPB guidelines.

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Some say that to be truly eco-friendly you shouldn't eat fish at all. Is this true?
Yes and no. Some fish stocks, such as North Sea cod, have declined to such an extent that they should be left alone to try and recover. However, there are sustainable sources of fish that can be enjoyed with a clear conscience.

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Aren't farmed fish full of disease and tasteless?
Waitrose has raised the standard of fish-farming through its Select Farm schemes. These farms are sited in clean oceanic waters with a strong tidal flow which keeps the seabed clean and the fish lean and fit. They are reared with a complete absence of hormones and growth promoters, and the low stocking densities give the fish room to swim and keep active and healthy. This results in firm flesh and a delicate flavour.

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Are there fish I shouldn't buy?
Yes. Some species of fish are so endangered they may disappear altogether. All Waitrose own-label fresh and frozen fish is from sustainable sources and we will delist any we believe to be threatened. We do not sell the following on the basis of sustainability and concerns over declining stocks: North Sea cod, common skate, marlin, wild Atlantic salmon, blue fin and big eye tuna, sturgeon products, shark, ling, dogfish and Chilean sea bass.

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As more species may become threatened, should I worry about the future?
Waitrose has been committed to increasing fish-stock sustainability for more than 10 years. We constantly monitor the situation and will de-list fish we see as threatened. Wherever possible our fish are line-caught to avoid unnecessary bycatch. We do not stock deep-water trawled species and are phasing out beam trawling. To help maintain stocks, we only sell mature flatfish and are working with the MSC to develop sustainable sources of fishmeal.

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I know skate is under threat, yet I see it on sale. Why?
Skate is indeed under threat and Waitrose has not sold any since 1999. What Waitrose sells is actually ray, a very similar fish. The ray wings you will see are from ray species such as cuckoo, starry and blonde. Waitrose does not sell any fish that is under threat - if you see a variety you have heard is threatened, it will be a sustainable alternative. For example, no caviar is sold in Waitrose, but Avruga herring roe is a good alternative.

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Should I really be eating cod at all?
Many cod stocks are seriously under threat, particularly those in the North Sea. All the cod caught for Waitrose comes from Icelandic waters, which have some of the healthiest stocks of cod. It's caught by approved boats, which means full traceability right back to the boat and the day of catching. These large, mature fish produce well-sized, high-quality fillets for you to buy, cook and enjoy with confidence.

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