A fresh row has broken out over North Sea cod after a leading conservation group told people not to eat the fish – despite admitting that stocks are recovering.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) will announce this morning that the iconic species – the centrepiece of fish and chip suppers for generations – remains on its “Fish to Avoid” list.
The group says it is still too soon to put it back on our plates, despite there being scientific evidence to the contrary. But its position has been criticised by fishing leaders.
Last night, one skipper described the statement as “dangerous” for an industry which supports thousands of jobs across the north and north-east.
MCS has not changed its advice on North Sea cod in the latest version of its sustainable seafood guide, saying fish caught in the area should remain firmly off the menu.
Bernadette Clarke, fisheries officer for the group, said: “The efforts of fishers and managers have placed cod in the North Sea on the road to recovery. Programmes such as the conservation credits scheme, which rewards fishermen for adopting conservation measures with additional days at sea, together with more effective long-term management plans will, hopefully, see the fishery continue to recover.
“Our advice remains to seek alternatives to North Sea cod. There are more sustainable cod fisheries that we currently rate as fish to eat.”
The latest advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea – the world’s oldest intergovernmental science organisation – indicates that there is an “abundance” of cod in North Sea waters.
Scottish Fishermen’s Federation chief executive, Bertie Armstrong, said consumers should ignore the MCS advice and eat more Scottish fish.
He added: “Whilst we are disappointed the MCS advice on North Sea cod remains unchanged, we are pleased they recognise stock is on the road to recovery and the fishing effort for the species has decreased.
“We firmly believe that North Sea cod is a sustainable choice for the consumer because the scientific advice indicates that stock levels will continue to rise in the future, thanks to the sustainable fishing practices adopted by our fishermen.
“Indeed, the majority of stocks of interest to Scottish fishermen are increasing – and important species such as Scottish haddock, saithe and herring are all independently certified by the Marine Stewardship Council for the responsible manner in which they are harvested.
“Our unequivocal message to the consumer is to eat more Scottish fish – and that includes North Sea cod.”
MCS has also added sea bass – another restaurant favourite – to the banned list.
The group says monkfish remains a fish to eat only occasionally because stocks are declining, despite cuts in fishing effort in the North Sea and waters west of Scotland, and there are also few management measures in place for this species.
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