We like to ensure that the best quality and selection of fish is available on our counter. To do this we buy from a variety of different markets and suppliers (not a single source) because catches will vary with each boat and with regional and seasonal differences This can make it hard for customers to know where their particular fish has come from at any one time – which is of real interest if you want to buy the most sustainable fish.
Where Does Your Fish Come From?
Its good to know where your food comes from, making sure that what you eat is good for you and good for the planet. We all have much greater awareness of declining fish stocks in some parts of the oceans and the impact of different fishing techniques on fish populations. Choosing fish from sustainably managed sources protects fish numbers and buying fish that is caught or farmed in ways which minimise damage to the marine environment or other wildlife is important. To help you choose we put plenty of details on our labels in the shop
Type Of Fish
At the top of each label you can see the species name in the picture you can see the latin name for Lemon Sole – Microstomus kitt. This means you can be certain of what you are buying.
Farmed or Wild?
In the second line you will see if the fish is from the wild – caught at sea or from a river. Alternatively it might show “Farmed” indicating that the fish has been reared commercially in tanks or enclosures.
Geographic Region
The numbered area tells you exactly where a particular fish has been caught in the example label above you can see Atlantic Area 27 which is the North eastern segment and applies to waters around the UK. There are quotas in place for the different zones and segments. The same species can be a sustainable fish in one zone but endangered in another.
Fishing Method
We are often able tell you what method was used to catch your chosen fish. Line-caught fish particularly from small-scale fisheries do not have the bycatch or stock-depletion problems that are associated with trawling with massive nets. Line-caught fish also tend to be of better quality than trawled or netted fish.
Sustainable Fish
Top chefs, environmental groups and the government are all keen to see us try new types of fish. This is to take the pressure off some of the most popular fish like Cod, Haddock, Tuna, Salmon and Prawns which according to some sources make up to 75% of all the fish eaten in the UK.
In addition to the favourites mentioned we have a broad selection of different species on our counter. Why not try some of these sustainable fish that we regularly have available – all delicious.
- Mackerel
- Sea Bream
- Sea Bass
- Hake
- Gurnard
