Hake and coley sustainability ratings downgraded, charity warns
The Marine Conservation Society has lowered sustainability ratings for two popular fish species due to declining stocks and increased fishing pressure.
At a glance
- Hake and coley sustainability ratings have been lowered by the Marine Conservation Society
- Declining stocks and increased fishing pressure are cited as reasons for the downgrade
- These species were previously recommended as alternatives to UK-caught cod
- The MCS uses a traffic-light rating system to guide sustainable seafood choices
The Marine Conservation Society, an environmental charity, has downgraded the sustainability ratings for hake and coley, two fish species commonly recommended as alternatives to cod. The ratings have fallen due to declining stocks and increased fishing pressure on these species.
The MCS publishes its Good Fish Guide using a traffic-light system to help consumers and businesses select seafood based on fish stock health and environmental impact. UK shoppers had previously been advised to avoid domestically caught cod in favour of European hake and coley.
Why it matters
The downgrade reflects changing conditions in fish stocks and suggests consumers may need new guidance on which seafood choices are most environmentally sustainable.
Original reporting
- The Guardian — WorldScale back on hake and coley, seafood charity tells shoppers
- The Guardian — BusinessScale back on hake and coley, seafood charity tells shoppers
This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.