Lockdown trend to support local fisheries continues with rise in sales of certified UK-caught species
UK shoppers are able to enjoy a growing variety of sustainable seafood species due to developments on retail fish counters and in the chilled aisle, according to the Marine Stewardship Council’s latest market report released this week.
The MSC UK & Ireland Market Report 2022 shows there are now 49 different sustainably sourced species available to UK and Irish consumers compared to 45 last year. This is a jump from 26 species ten years ago, showing the commitment to supply sustainable seafood options held across the UK retail sector.
Seth McCurry, MSC UK & Ireland Senior Commercial Manager, said: “Although seafood consumers in the UK rarely venture beyond the ‘big five’ species - salmon, tuna, cod, prawns and haddock – which account for a staggering 60 to 80% of all seafood consumed across the country, there are signs that shoppers are becoming more interested in trying new species.
“National lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic sparked increased interest in home delivery services, giving shoppers an opportunity to support local fishing communities and try new species.
“It’s fantastic that consumers are buying locally-caught species such as Scottish coley, Shetland scallops, and Cornish hake and sardines. It means fishing communities and the livelihoods that are reliant on these species are supported, while ensuring a sustainable supply of seafood for future generations.”
Coley, also known as saithe, caught by the Scottish fleet is often a more affordable white fish alternative to cod. A recipe from chef James Strawbridge in the MSC’s latest edition of its digital