Whether you're shopping for a family meal, ordering fish and chips, or trying something new, there are plenty of delicious and sustainable seafood choices available.
The UK's most popular seafood species can all be sourced from well-managed fisheries, and many carry the MSC blue ecolabel. Choosing sustainable fish helps protect ocean ecosystems, supports fishing communities, and ensures seafood remains available for future generations.
From the nation's favourite species to lesser-known alternatives, we’ve compiled a list of the best sustainable fish to eat in the UK.
The UK's most popular seafood species can all be sourced from well-managed fisheries, and many carry the MSC blue ecolabel. Choosing sustainable fish helps protect ocean ecosystems, supports fishing communities, and ensures seafood remains available for future generations.
From the nation's favourite species to lesser-known alternatives, we’ve compiled a list of the best sustainable fish to eat in the UK.
The 'Big Five': Choosing Sustainably
Cod, haddock, salmon, tuna and prawns make up around 80% of the fish and seafood consumed in the UK. There are many MSC labelled products for the Big Five species in the UK and Ireland market. Just make sure to look for the blue MSC ecolabel when purchasing to ensure your seafood comes from fishing practices certified to MSC’s environmental standard, helping protect fish stocks and ocean health.
Find out more about the most popular types of fish.
Cod
A staple of British fish and chip shops and restaurant menus alike, cod remains one of the UK's favourite fish choices. When sourced from certified sustainable fisheries, cod is a delicious and responsible option for seafood lovers.
Haddock
A close relative of cod, haddock is widely enjoyed across the UK. It is particularly popular as smoked haddock, including the famous Arbroath Smokie from north-east Scotland, which was awarded protected geographical status in 2007. Sustainably sourced haddock is a versatile and flavourful choice for everyday meals.
Salmon
Once considered a luxury, salmon has become a mealtime staple in homes across the UK. Rich in flavour and highly versatile, responsibly sourced salmon is one of the most popular sustainable seafood options available.
Tuna
A store-cupboard favourite, tuna is enjoyed in sandwiches, salads and family meals throughout the UK and Ireland. The availability of sustainable tuna has increased significantly in recent years, making it easier than ever to make responsible seafood choices.
Prawns
Packed with protein and loved for their sweet flavour and firm texture, prawns are a popular ingredient in cuisines across the UK. Choosing sustainably sourced prawns can help support healthy marine ecosystems while enjoying one of the nation's favourite seafood products.
Alternative sustainable fish species
If you're looking for sustainable fish to eat beyond the UK's most popular species, there are many excellent alternatives available. These species are widely sold across the UK and Ireland and can be great swaps for the Big Five.Diversifying the seafood you eat is one of the simplest ways to support a more sustainable seafood future.
Hake
Hake is a close relative of cod and an increasingly popular sustainable fish in the UK. With its delicate flavour and flaky white flesh, it makes an excellent substitute for cod in a wide range of dishes.
Sardines
Sardines, also known as pilchards, are small, oily fish found around the Cornish coast. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and full of flavour, they are among the most sustainable fish choices available in UK waters.
Mussels
Mussels have long been a favourite among seafood lovers in the UK. They are nutritious, versatile and widely recognised as one of the most sustainable seafood options available due to their low environmental impact.
Clams and cockles
A traditional British seaside favourite, cockles and clams are enjoyed throughout the UK. Their distinctive shells and sweet flavour make them a popular and sustainable seafood choice.
Coley
Also known as coalfish or saithe, coley offers a similar texture and taste to cod and haddock while often being more affordable. As an underutilised species, it is a great sustainable fish alternative for consumers looking to try something different.
Alaska pollock
One of the most widely eaten wild-caught fish in the world, Alaska pollock is a versatile and sustainable seafood choice. It is also one of the top-selling MSC-certified species in the UK and Ireland and is one of the go-to ingredients for McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish burger.
Herring
Herring has been an important part of British seafood traditions for centuries. Rich in nutrients and available from well-managed fisheries, it remains one of the best sustainable fish to eat in the UK.
Anchovies
The Cantabrian anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) is highly regarded for its quality and sustainability. This species is the only MSC certified anchovy where 100% of its catches are for human consumption, making it a sought-after delicacy.
Cooking with sustainable seafood supports healthier oceans and ensures future generations can continue to enjoy a variety of types of fish to eat.
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