What can be done about this?
Research conducted by YouGov on behalf of Waitrose reveals that 82% of consumers do not think about whether the fish they are eating is an endangered species, and over three quarters of consumers do not ask whether their fish is from a sustainable source.
But the solution is in our hands. There are many things you can do to help support this campaign and raise awareness of the issues facing our oceans.
TAKE...
...the End of the Line PLEDGE to show your support for this campaign and claim your 2 hectares of ocean (this link opens a new window).
ASK...
...where the fish you are buying has been caught and CHOOSE fish from sustainable sources (this link opens a new window) to ensure that tomorrow's generations continue to enjoy the oceans' riches.
SPREAD...
...the word and grow the campaign (this link opens a new window).
Your questions
What fish should I buy or order in a restaurant?
You should always ask or check the packaging to find out where the fish is from and whether it has been caught from sustainable sources. Fishmongers can also suggest alternative, less endangered fish to buy. Read our handy guide to fish, or carry a copy of the MCS Good Fish Guide in your wallet, and where possible make the sustainable choice.
Will it affect the price of fish because I can’t afford to pay more right now?
Eating ethically doesn’t have to cost the earth. Species like mackerel and sardines are widely available in UK waters – they are highly sustainable and easy on the wallet. Or eat an alternative to endangered species like Cod, such as Coley or Pollack.
Why should I get involved? It won’t affect me, I’ll be dead by 2050!
Have you thought what impact this issue is having, and will have, on the third world countries that rely on fish as a source of food? Protecting our fish stocks and the quality of our oceans will ensure that they are enjoyed for generations to come.
Neil Nugent, Waitrose Executive Chef and Restaurateur
“Imagine a world where the traditional British fish & chip shop no longer exists. This could actually be our reality by 2050. I only purchase sustainable fish and urge all restaurateurs and consumers to demand their fish comes from sustainable sources.”
Did you know that...?
- Fish have been around for more than 450 million years - that’s well before records began - and that there are approximately 25,000 known species worldwide.
- The plankton-feeding whale shark is the largest known fish in the world. It is found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, and can grow over 40ft and weigh up to 20 tons.
- Discovered only 3 years ago on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the peodocypris is the smallest fish in the world at 7.9mm long.
- The sailfish is the fastest fish in the world, while seahorses are the slowest.
- Fish have first class touch, taste and sight senses, and a number of species have a good sense of smell and hearing.
- Sharks are the only fish species to have lower and upper eyelids - but they don’t blink. As fish live in water, there is no need for them to have eyelids and blink.
- During the Second World War, fish and chips were the only take-away food not to be rationed.
- Fish navigate through dark or murky waters using their internal sense organ known as the lateral line.
Waitrose
Useful information
About us
Terms of service
Our other websites
© 2012 Waitrose
Follow us on ...