UK seafood shoppers are being warned that two popular fish-and-chip alternatives, European hake and coley, face rising sustainability concerns. Multiple outlets report that the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is issuing new guidance based on changes in fish-stock assessments.
The MCS’s “Good Fish Guide” uses a traffic-light rating system to reflect the health of fish stocks and environmental impact. According to the reports, declining populations and increased fishing pressure contribute to the downgrades for hake and coley. This comes after earlier advice to avoid UK-caught cod and switch to other species.
Outlets also note that not all assessments are negative. One report says some stocks are receiving upgrades, including North Sea herring, and Atlantic bluefin tuna in UK waters is also mentioned as having improved ratings. Overall, the guidance shifts consumer recommendations toward species with healthier stock status under the charity’s scoring framework.
