Why does it matter?

It’s a proven fact that current fishing practices are leading to the decline of fish populations.

Put simply, overfishing means fish are unable to reproduce quickly enough, and in extreme situations this can lead to extinction. Fishing quotas are not adequately monitored or enforced, and many endangered fish are being caught illegally. Huge amounts of fish caught are being wasted and discarded as a consequence of quota systems together with poor fishing practices. Many precious marine habitats are being destroyed by aggressive fishing techniques.

Waitrose specialist fish buyer Jeremy Ryland-Langley says, “Fish is a simple and healthy meal option and very popular in Britain. But coupled with an increase in popularity of fish there is a pressing need for all retailers to ensure the fish they sell is from sustainable sources, so it can remain on the menu for future generations. We firmly believe that the ethical choice should be an easy choice. For this reason we only sell fish that is from sustainable sources, caught in a responsible way.”

The facts

• Eating a diet rich in fish is a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals. Fish is the primary source of animal protein for about one-sixth of the world’s population and it accounts for 40 per cent of the diet of Africans.
• If we continue to fish the ocean at current levels, on some estimates we could see the end of the fish we eat today by 2050. Approximately 75 per cent of the world's fish stocks are either fully exploited or overfished and there is little time left to halt what will be a major global catastrophe for the world's growing population.
• Developments in technology have led to highly efficient fishing methods capable of hunting and catching fish with great efficiency.
• The global long-lining industry sets 1.4 billion hooks every year. At a rough estimate this is enough line to circle the globe more than 550 times.
• It is suggested that around 7 million tonnes of fish are wasted each year because they are thrown back dead into the sea due to quota restrictions.
• Illegal fishing is estimated to be worth over $10 billion a year.
• The ocean covers 70% of the planet and at present we can fish 99% of it. By supporting the creation and protection of more marine reserves, wildlife and habitats can reproduce and flourish.