Research conducted by the Marine Stewardship Council has revealed that many Britons struggle to identify common types of fish. The survey of 2,000 adults found that over half of those surveyed did not know that a John Dory is a spiny fish, with 12% mistakenly believing it was a famous poet. In addition, 10% thought a coley was a breed of dog, and 6% only knew of the artist Jackson Pollock when asked about pollock.
Despite the lack of fish knowledge, the survey found that Britons eat fish an average of five times a month, with the most commonly consumed varieties being cod, haddock, salmon, tuna, and prawns. However, the survey also showed that 86% of respondents only eat fish they are familiar with, and 60% had never tried certain types of seafood such as John Dory, brill, or razor clams.
George Clark, the MSC’s UK & Ireland programme director, encouraged consumers to be more adventurous with their seafood choices, particularly opting for sustainable varieties. He highlighted the importance of looking for the MSC’s blue tick logo on packaging to ensure that the fish comes from a sustainable source with healthy fish stocks and protected marine environments. Sustainable options include MSC-certified sardines and hake from Cornwall, coley from Scotland, and shellfish from various locations around the UK.
By expanding their seafood knowledge and trying new varieties, consumers can support fishing communities and help protect the marine environment. The MSC’s sustainable seafood September campaign aims to educate consumers and encourage them to explore a wider range of seafood options.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
