Sustainable fish

"The London 2012 Food Vision states that only 100% demonstrably sustainable fish will be served at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which shows true commitment to sustainability. The 2012 Games is a pivotal opportunity to showcase the importance of sustainable seafood choices. With the right support, more catering businesses can go for seafood sustainability gold.”
 Sam Wilding, Marine Conservation Society, who helped advise on the London 2012 sustainable seafood standard

People are eating more fish than they used to, and a lot of it is being caught by destructive methods. The world is now seriously at risk of losing some species from our seas for ever. There has been a shocking decline in popular fish species over the past century. Some scientists estimate that, at current rates of decline, most of the world’s fish stocks could collapse within our lifetimes. Millions of people depend on fish for food and for their livelihood, so this would have dire social and ecological consequences.

 The good news is that there's still time to do something about it. Fish stocks can recover if they are managed sustainably, and if we stop buying fish from badly managed stocks or caught with damaging fishing methods. Caterers, restaurants, employers and events organisers can all do their bit by adopting a sustainable fish buying policy, supporting good livelihoods in sustainable fishing and protecting precious fish populations for generations to come.

Key information: Seafood carrying the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) ecolabel comes from a fishery that has been independently certified to the MSC’s standard for a well-managed and sustainable fishery: www.msc.org. Use of MSC-certified fish is encouraged in the London 2012 Food Vision. 

Use fish produced to the best conservation standards

• The London 2012 Food Vision commits the London 2012 organisers to use only "demonstrably sustainable fish". This means they will exclude endangered species, promote seafood from sustainable fisheries, and work with suppliers to improve the rest. You can too! Make a Food Legacy pledge to serve only sustainable fish.
• Adopt a sustainable fish policy and support the Sustainable Fish City campaign. You will be in good company. All Government departments, The National Trust, 15 major London universities, the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London, the Greater London Authority, the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, a host of restaurants and caterers (together serving over 100 million meals a year), and lots more people and businesses have already done so. Please join in!
• Buy fish only from suppliers that guarantee they will exclude endangered species and sell you fish that is verifiably sustainable.

What is healthy and sustainable food?

Follow the links below, to find out about support or advice to help turn good food ideas into action: