SHOPPERS across the country are being urged to protect the oceans by following the advice of a new fish-buying guide produced by a Herefordshire charity.
Under-threat species such as cod (pictured right) have all been listed in a publication by the Ross-on-Wye-based Marine Conservation Society (MCS).
The charity outlines fish to avoid and fish to eat based on current scientific assessments of stocks. The guide is available free on www.FISHonline.org
The MCS wants people to avoid shark and deepwater fish, but not everything is off the menu - we can continue eating the traditional favourites such as cod and haddock - although from sustainable fisheries - as well as mussels, oysters, Alaskan salmon and scallops.
"Consumers can make a real difference to the way our fish sticks are managed and help stop the present decline," said Bernadette Clarke, MCS fisheries officer.
"By only choosing fish from healthy, responsibly managed sources, caught using methods which minimise damage to the marine environment and other species, consumers can create a market for sustainably managed and selectively caught fish."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article