THE SEASHELL OF LISSON GROVE 
 
How to eat fish sustainably
This week, we look into ways we can all look to eat and enjoy fish in a more sustainable and responsible way.  
It comes as no surprise why people are looking to up their weekly fish intake. Fish and seafood are such versatile items to add to meals with over 20,000 species in the world and a multitude of different ways to cook and prepare it. Fish adds a tremendous amount of nutritional benefit to our diets, not to mention a world of different flavours and textures. You can read our previous blog post on how nutritious fish and chips really are here. But with an ever-increasing concern with our planet and the environment, just how sustainable is fishing and indeed, how sustainable is the fish that we serve proudly here at The Seashell? 
 
Sustainable fishing means leaving enough fish in the ocean, respecting habitats and ensuring people who depend on fishing can maintain their livelihoods. An increase in demand for seafood and advances in technology has resulted in waters slowly becoming depleted with species, and never has there been more of an emphasis on looking after our seas to ensure the welfare of fish. 
 
The Seashell is incredibly proud to serve only the freshest fish, all of which have been ethically and sustainably sourced before reaching us from an MSC certified supplier based in Grimsby. It is then delivered and cut daily on site by our skilled fishmonger with the highest level of care before being cooked to order by our kitchen team. The Marine Conservation Society outlines that to be considered ‘ethical’ and ‘sustainable’, a fishery must ensure healthy levels of fish remain in the waters, operations are managed to the point of adapting to an ever-changing climate and that they minimise environmental impact. 
 
Aside from your weekly treat of fish and chips at The Seashell, it is important to ensure you have enough intake of fish within your diet. So just how can you eat fish more sustainably when you are at home? 
 
• Wherever you do your food shopping, try to purchase your fish from the fishmonger counter within your supermarket. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable about where the fish has been sourced and farmed from, plus you have the option to hand choose your cut of whichever fish you like. Some supermarkets also offer services such as complimentary marinades and spices to really add some flavour to your meals too! 
 
• Have you got a favourite type of fish you can’t get enough of? The Marine Conservation Society have a handy guide here listing fish and their sustainably rating using a traffic light system. When you come to writing out your weekly shopping list, be sure to take a look and remember to purchase responsibly. 
 
• The ‘big five’ (cod, haddock, salmon, tuna and prawns), although not yet vulnerable, are traditionally the most popular types of fish and seafood globally, therefore meaning there is a higher demand. Why not opt for something you haven’t yet tried before when cooking at home? Pollock is a fantastic alternative to cod, and you can still get your omega-3 rich hit from mackerel as you can from salmon. Mussels and oysters are also a great substitute to prawns. 
 
• Be sure to read the labelling on your fish – you will find that most major UK retailers have partnered with various bodies ensuring the fish you are eating is ethical and sustainable, the most recognised being the MSC. When you buy a product with the blue fish label you’re supporting a fishery that is contributing to healthier oceans. Try also to stick to line caught fish where possible. 
 
By taking these steps when it comes to purchasing fish and seafood, we can all make a difference, no matter how small it seems. Remember to enjoy fish and the benefits they reap and that when you order from The Seashell, every cut of fish is sourced in the most sustainable way possible.  
 
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