David Attwood, Loch Fyne Oysters

The Loch Fyne Oysters company started with one inspirational idea – to grow oysters in the clear, fertile waters of Loch Fyne – and has developed into a cluster of businesses. Based in old farm buildings at Clachan, Cairndow, at the head of Loch Fyne in Scotland, Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd runs the original Oyster Bar and Shop, home delivery service, Loch Fyne Direct, the Smokehouse, the Oyster and Mussel Farm and a retail supply and trade sales service. 

On signing up to Sustainable Fish City, as a supplier of many businesses in London, Production Director David Attwood explains why he thinks a sustainable approach to fish and seafood is so important.
 

Why do you think sustainable fish is important?

Sustainable fish are important as an alternative species as they help to take the pressure of the at-risk and endangered stocks. Of course the fishing of these sustainable species needs to be carefully monitored to ensure that they are also not put at risk.

What inspired you to take action on sustainable fish?

I was inspired by reading the book End Of The Line by Charles Clover - plus an awareness of the plight of our fish stocks.

And what have you done as a result?

We have ensured that we have checked out the sustainability and provenance of the fish and shellfish products that we supply. We actively promote species such as red gurnard, black bream, grey mullet, hake when available, and mackerel. We also increase reliance on aquaculture species. We have also joined the UK Seafish Discard Action Group.

What would you say to a concerned citizen interested in supporting sustainable fish?

Sign up to Fish Fight. Look up fishonline and the Good Fish Guide published by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) sustainable seafood guide and only buy sustainable seafood!

What would you say to a restaurant interested in serving sustainable fish?

Contact Loch Fyne Oysters Limited or Simsons Fisheries Limited for advice on how to source sustainable seafood.

What would you say to someone in a similar business to yours?

What type of legacy do you want to leave to your grandchildren regarding the fish that will be swimming in the oceans in 2050?

What would you say to a business that hasn't yet tackled sustainable fish?

I would suggest you are missing a huge opportunity.

Find out more about Loch Fyne Oysters

• 

  Allegra McEvedy MBE, chef, writer and presenter
  "To stand by and do nothing, say nothing as we slowly drain the oceans of their livestock is to make one complicit, and that's just not a position with which I was comfortable."

• 

  Caroline Bennett, Moshi Moshi
  "I am determined to do something about the way we fished the seas. We know the problems, we don’t even need any additional information to know how to fix them: we just have to get on and do it. No excuses."

• 

  Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Fish Fight
  “I have been travelling around the UK meeting fishermen, marine conservationists, politicians, supermarkets bosses, and of course fish-eating members of the public. It has changed the way I think about fish.”

• 

  Raymond Blanc OBE, Chef Patron, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons
  “Good ethics should be part of everyday business. Many restaurants and caterers in this are helping to protect our precious marine resources. They should get rightful recognition and inspire others to do the same.”

• 

  Rosie Boycott, London Food Board
  "Taking a sustainable approach to fish is critical to the food security of our city. It is shocking to think that within our lifetimes, we could lose some of our favourite species from the seas forever."

• 

  Silla Bjerrum, Feng Sushi
  "Ensuring the future supply of fish is very important. Eating fish can be a component of a healthy lifestyle. Future generations rely on us to pass on healthy seas and maintain biodiversity."

• 

  Tim Hughes, Caprice Holdings
  "It’s our duty to impart our knowledge to a wider audience, so everybody realises how important it is to cherish our fish stocks. I will continue to champion lesser-known species in plentiful and sustainable supply."