MCS launches ‘Say No to Red Rated Fish’ campaign

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has launched a new campaign encouraging seafood lovers to avoid eating red rated species.

The organisation is hoping its ‘Say No to Red Rated Fish’ will put pressure on businesses and governments to do more to remove unsustainable fish from sale and to address the underlying causes of red rated seafood.

The MCS highlights Red Rated fish - the least sustainable options as a result of overfishing, habitat damage or other unsustainable practices - in its Good Fish Guide These currently include wild seabass, wild North East Atlantic halibut, whitebait and even some types of cod.

Until they’re improved, it recommends avoiding these species, several of which are even endangered or critically endangered – like the European Eel – and without careful management could disappear forever.

Samuel Stone, head of fisheries and aquaculture at MCS, says: “Saying no to red rated seafood will help to reduce demand for the least sustainable options and will encourage decision makers to take action. Businesses that sell seafood can have a huge influence by specifying and supporting improvements in fishing and farming practices, and governments need to develop better laws to manage our seas and invest more funding into fisheries and aquaculture management.”

New resources have been launched with the campaign outline some of the key issues associated with red rated seafood in both the fishing and fish farming sectors, as well ways to address these issues and tips for making the most responsible seafood choices when dining out or shopping for groceries.

The MCS is also encouraging consumers to report to them a restaurant or supermarket where it sees a red rated species available.