New Good Fish Guide ratings leave “no recommended choices for UK-caught cod”

The latest update to the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Fish Guide sees cod stocks from north of the UK moved into the red “fish to avoid” category, leaving no recommended options for UK-caught cod. Instead, it suggests sourcing from fisheries such as those in Iceland, which it says “remain a more sustainable option”.

The Good Fish Guide has multiple traffic light ratings for each species, depending on where and how it is caught or farmed. It is updated twice a year and aims to make sustainable seafood sourcing simple for businesses and consumers. 

In a statement outlining the April updates, The MCS said: “Several UK cod populations have been in decline since 2015, due to overfishing, climate-driven changes in sea temperatures, and ecosystem pressures that affect breeding and juvenile survival.”

As an alternative, the charity recommends species such as European hake, which is similar to cod but has healthy UK stock levels. It says some UK haddock remains a good option, depending on where they are caught, and advises business to look out for haddock caught in the North Sea or West of Scotland for a good choice.

Some of the updated ratings for langoustine, also known as scampi, have also been downgraded because fishing levels have been above scientifically recommended amounts in recent years, and populations are declining. The only three green-rated options for the species are those caught by pot or creel in North Minch, South Minch and Skagerrak and Kattegat.

As an alternative, the Good Fish Guide features a new rating for UK farmed king prawns, thanks to a new commercially available option in Scotland. Farmed in a completely closed system, these prawns have a much lower environmental impact. 

Kerry Lyne, Good Fish Guide manager at the Marine Conservation Society, said, “The challenge isn’t that fish and chips will disappear, but that the species must be sourced from further afield. As pressure grows on traditional choices like cod and scampi, the Good Fish Guide highlights more sustainable alternatives and shows how consumer choices can support healthier local fish stocks and better-managed fisheries.”

Mackerel, which moved off the charity’s recommended list last April, is also now red-rated, meaning consumers are advised to completely avoid it.

The UK imports around 80% of the seafood it consumes. The Marine Conservation Society is calling for improved management of domestic fisheries to help rebuild stocks and reduce reliance on imports. The Good Fish Guide recommends some well-managed UK options such as seabass from the North Sea, English Channel and Celtic Sea, or plaice from the North Sea, as well as some UK farmed seafood like blue mussels and freshwater trout, which offer more sustainable local alternatives.

Chris Graham, head of sustainable seafood and ocean regeneration at the Marine Conservation Society, said, “As an island nation, the UK has long relied on its fishing communities and the seas that support them. It’s deeply concerning seeing so many of our iconic fisheries – from cod to mackerel – under increasing pressure.

“While climate change is playing a role, years of overfishing and poor management have also taken their toll. We need strong action from the UK Government to support a transition to low-impact fisheries and sustainable seafood farming, helping to restore our seas and secure the future of these vital industries.”