Supermarkets could help UK shoppers eat more sustainable local fish study

"Dr Silvia Ferrini, the lead researcher on the study from the UEA's centre for social and economic research on the global environment, said much of the decline in seafood consumption in what was considered a fish nation last century was down to the curse of modernity, in which we don't eat simple food that is local."

"The UK government, through the Eatwell Guide, recommends people have two portions a week of sustainably sourced fish, one of which is oily (such as salmon, mackerel or sardines). Despite an abundance of fish in British waters, more than 80% of seafood eaten in the country is imported. And, although there are regional differences, much of the fish caught in local seas, including Cornish sardines and anchovies, is exported."

Seafood consumption in the UK fell by 25% over the past decade. Younger people are least likely to eat fish while pensioners consume a wider variety. Supermarket sales concentrate on cod, haddock, tuna, salmon and prawns. More than 80% of seafood eaten in the country is imported, and many locally caught species such as Cornish sardines and anchovies are exported. The Eatwell Guide recommends two portions of fish weekly, one oily. Bones and changing preferences reduce fish intake. Greater uptake of local oily small fish could boost nutrition and regional economies.

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