Waitrose calls for a sea change on the issue of sustainable fishing
Waitrose is calling on consumers to ask where their fish comes from after new research has revealed that over 70 per cent of us don’t know about the shocking state of our seas.
Half the cod on our plates could be illegally caught – fished outside of quotas put in place to protect future supplies. When made aware of facts such as this, 70 per cent of people are more likely to make sustainable choices. But over three quarters (78 per cent) admit that they currently don’t attempt to buy sustainable seafood at all. The YouGov survey of 2,000 UK adults – commissioned by Waitrose – reveals widespread ignorance of the issues around sustainable fishing, with 72 per cent of Brits unaware that species including blue fin tuna are as close to extinction as the white rhino.
Over half (52 per cent) are unaware that fish stocks could be wiped out completely within this century if we continue as we are. And almost two thirds (63 per cent) are unaware of the damaging effect beam trawling can have on the marine environment.
However, the research also reveals that consumers do want to shop ethically. When told just a little about the issues involved, 70 per cent say they are more likely to seek out sustainable seafood. Most people questioned want restaurants (87 per cent) and supermarkets (86 per cent) to buy their fish from sustainable sources. And over half said they would be prepared to pay a little more for seafood if it is sustainably sourced (51 per cent).
Waitrose is releasing the findings to support next week’s nationwide premiere of new film ‘The End of the Line’ on World Oceans Day (June 8). The film, based on the book by former Telegraph Environment Editor Charles Clover, promises to be ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ for the Oceans, drawing much-needed attention to the issue of sustainable fishing.
Waitrose Managing Director Mark Price said: ‘The booming human population could wipe out fish stocks within this century if we don’t act now. This is an environmental disaster, and it will have a real and tangible impact on us all – as consumers, retailers, chefs, or fishermen. ‘Given the facts, 70 per cent of people want to buy sustainable fish – so it is our responsibility to make that possible. We’re supporting ‘The End of the Line’ as it is essential this issue is brought to the fore. We want everyone to ask where their fish is coming from – to make sure we’re not stealing fish from future generations.’
