I liked to think I have some understanding of fish sustainability. I changed my stance on this when I began to investigate exactly which fish species are at risk and are vulnerable in our seas at the moment. We don't eat a huge amount of fish in our house (maybe you read about my worm incident?), but Luca loves it, and I am rather fond of smoked fish.
Here's some fish, which I thought were OK to eat, but in fact are on Greenpeace's "Red List" (ref: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/PageFiles/173748/Oceans_Advocates.pdf):
Monkfish, Tuna*, Haddock (unless line caught Icelandic), Greenland & Atlantic halibut, Common sole, Hake, European Cod (unless line caught Icelandic, or that bought from Waitrose or M&S), Plaice, Atlantic salmon (wild and farmed), Tropical shrimp (wild and farmed).
Honestly, how many of you can safely put up your hand and attest to knowing all of these are "red listed"?
*I thought it was interesting what Greenpeace state about even dolphin-friendly Tuna, "Dolphin friendly labels generally means very little since they adhere to no legal standard or minimum criteria." "If you have to eat Tuna then eat only line caught skipjack tuna.".
I am really trying to stick to herring, mackerel and sardine when I eat fish - mainly for health reasons (I am an advocate of fatty acids), but also for financial and sustainable reasons. If I go to a restaurant, though, I find it difficult to resist the temptations of a few of those aforementioned fish. I will now think differently.
Anyway - guess what I am eating tonight? Tuna fishcakes. Meep.
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