Two experts on how to find and where to buy sustainable fish and seafood, whether eating out or cooking at home. Having a little fishy on a little dishy isn’t necessarily as simple as seeing what’s on offer when the boat comes in.

Knowing how to find and eat sustainable fish isn’t always straightforward. You want to eat fish that isn’t appallingly farmed, or fished to extinction, but maybe you’re not sure how to verify that.

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organisation supporting sustainable fishing and fish stocks. Seeing an MSC label on your food is a very good place to start.

But the latest MSC consumer insights survey asked 4,000 people about their fish consumption, and found that people over 45 are eating more fish, but that awareness about the organisation’s eco-label is low.

Loren Hiller, commercial manager at the MSC, and specialist chef ‘Tom the Fish’, who has been running The Salutation Inn, a seafood hotel and restaurant in Devon for more than 10 years, have some useful tips for filling your dishy with fishies – with a clean conscience.

Love cooking fishy recipes? Try this zingy shrimp and turmeric soup

What are you putting in your trolley?

“The easiest way for a consumer to be assured that their seafood has been sustainably sourced is to look for the blue MSC eco-label,” says Loren. “This can be found on over 1,500 products across 53 species in UK supermarkets in the frozen and fresh sections. And even on pet food and supplements.

Look for the MSC label on all fishy products

“Essentially, that means you’re buying fish and seafood that has been sustainably sourced from a well-managed fishery. So that’s good for you and the ocean too, because these fisheries make sure the stocks are healthy.”

MSC-certified fisheries have a “minimal impact on the ecosystem and other endangered, threatened and protected species,” says Loren. Chef Tom is also a keen advocate of the MSC eco-label and urges responsibility on the part of supermarkets and shoppers.

“Most fish from supermarkets is farmed and imported. In 2022, the UK exported £1.7bn of fish and imported £3.7bn of fish. And we still import Russian cod to the UK via China, for instance,” he says. “But we live on an island so there’s a responsibility for supermarkets to sell local products. And there’s a responsibility to customers just to look at the labels and ask if it’s wild, how is it caught and where is it caught? Is it local or imported?”

Tom adds that it is important to consider how far a fish has travelled before it ends up in your trolley. “If fish has travelled across the continent, how have they been processed within the factory environment to make it still good to eat?

“There aren’t many fish counters left – Tesco has closed all of their fish counters now, so you can’t ask these questions directly from the fish-mongers – which is unhelpful,” Tom says. “And most people in this busy world don’t read the packaging – fish is convenient to buy in plastic, but, of course, it’s not great for the environment – so there are a lot of questions and choices for consumers to consider how ethical the fish is that they’re purchasing.”

So, which is better? Wild or farmed?

There’s no simple answer to this question, apart from “it depends”. While it’s common to assume that fish caught in the wild are automatically more sustainable than farmed fish, this might not always be the case. If the fish are wild-caught in an area that has been overfished, is unregulated, or uses unsustainable practices, such as drift net fishing, which can scoop up endangered marine life along with the more plentiful species, it won’t be a responsible consumer choice.

While it’s common to assume that fish caught in the wild are automatically more sustainable than farmed fish, this might not always be the case

The US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) makes it clear that wild and farmed fish can both be part of the solution. NOAA defines sustainable seafood as “wild-caught or farmed seafood that is harvested or produced in ways that protect the long-term health of species populations and ecosystems.”

The UN Food and Agricultural Organization’s guidelines for assessing what they call “marine capture fisheries” include transparency, consultation processes involving all stakeholders, robust objection procedures and standards based on “sustainability of target species, ecosystems and management practices.” MSC adheres to these guidelines when certifying wild fishing operations.

Fishmongers and fish markets

To reassure consumers buying from fishmongers and markets, Loren says to look out for the blue MSC label, which shows they meet chain of custody standards.

Not just for human fishy products either

“Every time you see the blue label, you can be confident that it’s come from a certified fishery [and] been handled by a supply chain where everyone has that chain of custody certification – they have been independently assessed – there’s no mixing of MSC and non-MSC fish.”

“And it’s just great to have that conversation at the fishmonger or fish market,” she continues. “Just find out a bit more because they really like having those conversations as well.”

Tom agrees that asking questions and learning from the expertise of fishmongers is important. He advises asking where the fish is from and how it was caught, as well as asking for cooking tips to “mix up the selection of fish you consume.”

“Waiter! Is this fish sustainable?”

Loren says the MSC eco-label can be found in many restaurants and fish and chip shops across the UK: “We work with a wide variety of food service outlets and it’s still growing.”

Perhaps surprisingly, McDonalds, JD Wetherspoons and Oaxaca are among the companies that work with MSC. So you can have that Filet-O-Fish with confidence. Or you can simply have a conversation with restaurant staff if the provenance of the fish is not made clear on the menu or you can’t see the eco-label anywhere.

Don’t be afraid to ask your server if the fish is MSC approved

“The origin of where the fish comes from should be displayed on the menu and if it isn’t, then just ask your server,” says Tom.

Loren says asking if they know where the fish has been sourced and what type of gear is used by the fisheries can be instructive. Generally, pole-and-line fishing has a lower impact on ecosystems, but if hundreds of boats are using this method, it can make fish stock vulnerable. Big trawlers, such as those used in the North Sea, are sustainable if the fish stock is healthy and plentiful.

Having that conversation in a restaurant may mean the manager gets involved. Or, if you’re eating in a restaurant that’s part of a group or chain, emailing head office to ask about their fish sourcing or checking the website can be useful.

Loren says that starting these important conversations with consumers is “the way to drive improvements [and] create a culture where people think, why wouldn’t you buy sustainable fish”.

Getting certified

MSC is an independent non-profit organisation that sets globally recognised standards for sustainable fishing and seafood traceability, with its certification programme for sustainable fishing practices. To obtain this certification, fisheries are independently assessed based on three main principles. These are the health of the stock, whether there are enough fish for the fishery to operate indefinitely, and the impact on the ecosystem.

“We look at what type of gear they are using. What impact does that gear have on the surrounding ecosystem? How do they interact with endangered, threatened and protected species – these are the ones they’re not directly trying to catch.”

Additionally, fishery management is scrutinised by MSC, such as complying with relevant laws and adapting to new information, according to scientific research. For example, well-managed fisheries will change the gear they use if new information shows that they need to use something better suited to the ecosystem where they operate.

MSC allows all gear types in its programme, apart from explosives.

The certification process can take 12 to 18 months, with certification lasting five years, albeit with regular checks each year.

Local fish for local people

Keeping your fish consumption as local as possible is one of the best ways to be an ethical, sustainable diner or cook.

“I believe that localism is the way forward with fish – it has been spoiled with factory fish farming, which can be far from ethically produced,” says Tom. “We have a fantastic wild bass season at this moment [Summer 2024] – it’s a few quid more, but it’s so worth it. And hasn’t travelled 2,500 miles.”

As a bonus, localism can help the UK’s fishing industry, which has taken a – pardon the pun – battering in recent years, with winners and losers emerging since Brexit.

“The UK has amazingly rich fishing grounds with conservation areas within the waters and I think it’s much better for the environment if we buy locally, buy seasonally, and don’t travel fish around,” Tom concludes. “If we kept the fish we exported and ate them too, it would be such a positive for the fishing industry, I believe.”

Check out the MSC website.

Georgia Lewis

In a career that has spanned Australia, the Middle East and the UK, Georgia has written about all sorts of things, including sex, cars, food, oil and gas, insurance, fashion, travel, workplace safety, health, religious affairs, glass and glazing… When she’s not writing words for fun and profit, she can usually be found with a glass of something French and red in her hand.

The post How to find and where to buy sustainable fish appeared first on Silver Magazine.

If you’re high on believing you love fishing (otherwise known as angling), then you’re not alone. Fishing is a good way to kick back, relax and soak up the nature surrounding you. And catching a fish and then releasing it back into the water, you already get that thrill. So why not have a go with a fishing competition? We’ve rounded up some of the best fishing competitions and events in the UK, which will encourage you to grab your fishing rod and get involved.

Let’s talk about fish, baby

Just like the diverse waters in the angling world, there are different types of fishing. Coarse fishing, game fishing and sea fishing are among the most popular forms of fishing in the UK. Each type of fishing has its distinctive experiences and challenges:

Coarse fishing

This is where you focus on catching freshwater fish, typically roach, bream, carp, and tench, where the species are considered undesirable to be eaten, also called rough fish. Coarse fishing aims to manoeuvre powerful and larger fish in slow-going waters, including rivers, lakes, ponds and canals.

Game fishing

Game fishing, or sport fish, centres around fish species that can be eaten. Predominantly, this includes salmon, trout and grayling. For this type of fishing, the tackle is usually lightweight and used for precision. These fish species are often found in flowing waters, such as rivers and streams.

Sea fishing

Sea fishing is simply catching fish from the sea. The best locations for sea fishing in the UK are Cornwall, Scotland, Cardiff, Northern Ireland, Brighton and Northeast England.

Fishing competitions can be won in various ways. Some target a single fish species, while others include all types of fish. Normally, winning depends on the total weight of the fish caught. Most fishing competitions will require a fee but will offer you a cash prize by the end of it.

Our round-up of the UK’s best competitions and events

UK Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival

After following ‘seven very successful years’, the UK Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival is oh-fish-ally back.

I will stop with the fish puns, but if you’re a flying fish enthusiast, then you might want to stick around for this one. One of the UK’s biggest game fishing scenes is centred around the historic harbour of St Mawes in Cornwall and is set to take place from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 October 2024.

While taking advantage of the numerous beaches and rocky areas, the organisers say that participants will fish from the shoreline ‘using your fishing skills and watercraft’ and, when entering, you will receive detailed local information on the best local marks and how these vary with tide and wind conditions. The organisers have also stated that ‘accommodation is available to suit all budgets.’

Naturally, this competition has the extra thrill of being one of the best flying fish festivals in the UK, however, the essence lies in meeting like-minded people who share their interest in fly fishing. The fly fishing festival will host social events, such as a training day which features Cornwall’s top guides and training clinics along with other social events in local pubs with a drink reception.

If you’re an aspiring fly fisher or already an enthusiast, then this is a must-joiner. The entry date closes on 30th September 2024.

Mull of Galloway

The Mull of Galloway Sea Angling Festival in Scotland offers a wide range of different competitions. Immerse yourself in one of the UK’s luscious fishing environments and experience great fishing in the Mull of Galloway while joining a community of anglers.

During the MOGSAF Tope Event, which took place Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 of June 2024, money was raised for the Kirkmaiden Community Harbour Trust, where anglers came together and raised £150 for the Drummore Harbour sea wall, which will help facilitate the harbour. The MOGSAF Facebook page stated: “The foreshore area in Drummore is an excellent area to use during our events. Without the work of the KCHT, this area wouldn’t be anywhere near as suitable as it is today”.

Thanks to the MOGSAF collaborative spirit with local organisations like the KCHT, they help to create a joyful experience for anglers and spectators alike, which enhances the event and strengthens the community, making the festival a true celebration for the local area.

Other upcoming events are the MOGSAF Species Event 2024 in August, starting at 8:00 am on Friday 2 till Sunday 4 at 5:00 pm and the MOGSAF Bass Event in September, set to run at 9:00 am on Saturday 21 and end on Sunday 22 at 6:00 pm.

If this is reeling you in, pun not intended, check out their Facebook page to seek more information and get the latest updates for these exciting events.

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European Open Beach Championships 2025

This event has passed, however, if you feel that beach fishing may be your calling, or you’re a beginner looking to challenge yourself, then you should take note in your calendar for the 2025 Paul Roggeman European Open Beach Championship, as this is Europe’s largest three-day beach fishing competition.

The competition will run from Friday 7 till Sunday 9 March 2025 and will be held at the breathtaking east riding of the Yorkshire coast, with many fishing locations stretching from the North Marine Promenade to Spurn Point.

Like every year, there is a cash prize to be won, fantastic fishing equipment and a free goody bag. The organisers have stated that accommodation is available, but you will need to book in advance for Sad-Le-Mere Holliday Village.

The Yorkshire coast

This event draws anglers from across the UK and Europe; fostering a sense of community where participants share their love for the sport. In the 2024 competition, councillor Nick Coultish stated how each year “we look forward to welcoming visitors from across the UK and Europe to our region and providing the local visitor economy with a timely boost during the early part of the year”, where the competition brings an influx of visitors which gives economic benefits to local businesses. From hotels, restaurants and shops, the EOBC showcases a vibrant and welcoming destination.

The 2024 winner, Pippen Moore (pictured at the top of this article), won with an aggregation of 4,690 fish, where throughout the three-day event he caught them on the Sunday’s event alone.

The EOBC event will also give you the chance to meet top companies within the industry, who will provide insight into all aspects of sea angling. This is a good opportunity for you to gain valuable experience and refine your fishing tactics.

If this sounds like something you want to get involved with and be inspired by other anglers, why not visit their Facebook page and website for more information.

Get Fishing events run by Angling Trust

Whether you’re a first-time angler or returning to the fishing scene and feeling overwhelmed – do not fear. You can still join the angling community.

Get Fishing is a campaign run by the Angling Trust. These are events aimed to encourage people to discover the joys of angling. The events are free or sometimes low-cost beginner sessions, where you’ll learn and gain skills from other anglers.

These events happen all over the country, where you will discover new spots to go fishing while adventuring into the UK countryside.

From learning how to use a rod to safely returning the fish into the water, you’ll experience the ins and outs of fishing. These events are aimed at all abilities and ages where they will enhance your techniques and help you to get more confident with fishing.

It’s all upstream from here

Yes, these competitions and events may be a good way to showcase your fishing abilities, but you will also be able to make friends, build community, get inspired and learn from one another.

If you’re a beginner, an expert or someone just curious about the angular lifestyle, then perhaps you should look at these competitions and events.

Elena Harris

Elena is one of Silver’s interns. She has a love for illustrating, reading, and all things media-related. She is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur who spends her free time in coffee shops sketching and journalling.

The post All the best fishing competitions you’ll need this year in the UK appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Eating more fish and seafood and less red meat is good for you. Not only that, it’s also delicious. But where you get your fruits of the sea from has an impact on our seas and fish stocks.

The best way to be sure your fish is sustainably-caught is to look for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) blue tick logo. Sustainable fishing can be determined using the MSC Fisheries Standard regardless of the scale, geography, or fishing method used by a fishery.

When you choose wild-caught certified sustainable seafood with the MSC blue fish tick label, you are helping to end overfishing – each product purchased supports well-managed, sustainable fisheries working hard to protect the marine environment.

To celebrate the launch of the MSC’s World Ocean Day 2024 campaign, Sustainable Fishing Means…, we are bringing you a delicious recipe, exclusively in the UK, created by Canadian chef Charlotte Langley.

Shrimp and Turmeric Soup

Ingredients

340g Frozen MSC blue tick shrimp or prawns
10g Fresh garlic, minced
10g Ground turmeric (alternatively use 2 tbsp turmeric paste)
30g Shallots, minced
10g Fresh ginger, grated
20g Coconut oil
900ml Ramen broth
200g Bok choy, washed, leaves separated
225g Vermicelli noodles
Salt & pepper to taste
1 lime, cut into quarters
Fresh coriander chopped
Chilli oil (optional, to taste)

Chef Top Tip
If you love this dish and want to make it again, you can save time and washing up by making double the paste and freezing half for next time.

SERVES: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Ready in: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy

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METHOD:

Step 1
Thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight. Drain well, place in a bowl lined with paper towel and keep refrigerated while preparing soup base.

Step 2

In a blender or small food processor, add the garlic, turmeric, shallots, ginger and coconut oil and blitz until it has the consistency of a paste.

Step 3

Preheat a medium to large pot over medium heat. Add the paste and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and shallots are translucent but not browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.

Step 4

Meanwhile, cook the vermicelli noodles following the instructions on the package. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Divide evenly into 4 bowls.

Step 5
To the simmering broth, add the bok choy leaves and shrimp and cook until bok choy is tender and shrimp are warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6

Ladle soup into bowls over the vermicelli noodles and garnish with a lime wedge, chopped coriander (cilantro) and chili oil, if using.

You can find many more sustainable seafood recipes from the MSC here.

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