Coley

Coley is a versatile white fish that’s not only delicious and widely available across the UK, but one of the more responsibly and sustainably sourced seafood species. Also known as saithe or coalfish, coley tastes great cooked on its own or used in fish pies, fish cakes and other delicious recipes.

What is coley?

Coley is a member of the cod family, with a slightly darker flesh and a rich, distinctive flavour. It’s commonly caught in the North Atlantic, where many fisheries are certified to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard for sustainability.

Choosing coley helps support responsible fishing practices and protects ocean ecosystems, and is packed with health benefits.

Their abundance and fast reproduction rates make them a strong sustainable seafood choice.

Are coley sustainable?

Coley are a sustainable form of seafood when sourced from well-managed, certified fisheries.

Choosing certified coley helps ensure:
Fish stocks remain healthy
Marine ecosystems are protected
Fisheries are responsibly managed

You can find sustainable coley in the UK which are caught in well-managed fisheries by looking for the MSC blue ecolabel, to make sure it’s from a trustworthy source.

Health benefits of coley

Sustainable coley are one of the most nutritious fish you can eat.

Top 10 health benefits of coley

High in protein, supporting muscle growth, repair and overall body maintenance
Low in fat, making it a lighter option compared to many other protein sources.
Rich in essential nutrients, including vitamin B12, selenium and iodine, which support energy levels, immunity and thyroid function.
Supports heart health, especially when it replaces higher-fat meats
Relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet or manage their weight

Sustainable coley are a smart choice for both nutrition and sustainability - why not explore our seafood recipes for some inspiration?

How to cook coley

Coley is affordable, nutritious, and easy to cook. It works well in:

Fish pies
Curries
Pan-fried fillets
Fishcakes

Its firm texture makes it a great substitute in sustainable seafood recipes that traditionally use cod or haddock.

Where do most of the MSC coley we eat in the UK come from?

Most MSC-certified coley eaten in the UK comes from two certified fisheries operating in UK and nearby North Atlantic waters:

The UK Fisheries Ltd saithe fishery, which fishes in the North Sea, West of Scotland and Norwegian Sea.
The SFSAG Northern Demersal Stocks fishery, which catches coley mainly in the northern and central North Sea.

Why choose coley?

Coley offer a combination of sustainability, affordability, and nutrition. They are:

A sustainable seafood option
Packed with essential nutrients
Easy to prepare in a variety of ways

What type of sustainable coley products are available in the UK?

MSC-certified coley is available in a growing range of products across the UK, including plain fillets, smoked fillets, frozen portions and convenient prepared meals. Consumers can also find sustainable coley in products such as fish fingers and ready-to-cook dishes. The variety of MSC-labelled fish products makes it easy to choose a sustainable alternative to popular white fish such as cod and haddock.

Despite being championed by savvy chefs with an eye on sustainability, it remains a species with relatively low MSC sales in the UK and Ireland; only 307 tonnes in 2022-23, compared to 27,441 tonnes for Alaska/walleye pollock.

Historical bite

Coley has been landed by UK fishing fleets for generations, particularly in the waters around Scotland and the North Sea. Although it was traditionally less well known to consumers than cod or haddock, coley has long been valued by fishermen as an abundant and versatile white fish. In recent years, growing awareness of sustainable seafood has helped increase its popularity, with retailers, chefs and consumers recognising coley as a delicious, affordable and sustainable choice. Today, MSC-certified coley is widely available across the UK, helping support responsible fisheries and healthy fish populations for the future.

“MSC coley, aka saithe, is a great sustainable choice for white fish. Although often overlooked, coley has a delicate, sweet flavour and light texture that pairs well with seasonal winter veg and a herby crumb.”

James Strawbridge
UK MSC ambassador, chef & author

FAQ's

How many species of coley are there?

There is only one species of Coley (sometimes referred to as saithe). Coley belongs to the same family as cod and haddock but is distinguished from other species of the genus by its dark colour – hence it is sometimes known as coalfish.

Can dogs and cats eat coley?

Yes, coley can be a nutritious treat for dogs and cats. Coley is a lean source of protein and is often used in pet foods. If feeding coley at home, it should be thoroughly cooked, unseasoned and free from bones.

What’s the difference between coley and pollock?

Coley (also known as saithe) and pollock are different species within the cod family. Coley has a firmer texture and darker flesh when raw, while pollock is generally lighter in colour and milder in flavour. Both are versatile white fish and can be a sustainable choice when they carry the blue MSC label.

What does coley taste like?

Coley has a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a firm, flaky texture. Similar to cod and haddock, it works well in a wide range of dishes, from fish pies and curries to baked and pan-fried recipes.

Join our community of ocean and seafood lovers.

More of what you can do