The Saucy Fish Co. supports Hugh's ‘FISH FIGHT’ to end discards at sea
The Saucy Fish Co. is supporting Hugh's Fish Fight against ‘discards at sea' - a campaign led by celebrity chef and top food writer Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and supported by fellow cook Jamie Oliver, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to The Saucy Fish Co.
Under current EU rules, fishermen are required to throw fish back into the sea if accidently caught when quotas have been reached. Up to half of all fish caught in the North Sea are thrown back dead*. In response, Fearnley-Whittingstall announced his plan to end the practise for good at a Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) reform meeting in November.
The Saucy Fish Co. is part of the leading fish and seafood supplier the Icelandic Group. It has long been actively campaigning against the practice both individually and as part of an alliance comprising fishermen, processors, retailers and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) - which has been highlighted by Hugh's Fish Fight.
Aired on Channel 4 this week, as part of its Fish Season, the Fish Fight campaign is sure to foster even greater public support and exert more pressure on the European legislators to tackle what is a scandalous waste, which makes no sense ecologically, economically or ethically.
Nigel Edwards, Sustainability Director at The Saucy Fish Co., said: "To ensure we can all enjoy the health benefits from eating more fish, we're committed to delivering sustainably sourced, high quality fish to consumers at prices they can afford. We're passionate about achieving this and Hugh will find we are very willing and active partner in his campaign.
"We're calling for the EU to stop discards whilst ensuring that fishermen have no incentive to catch juvenile or over quota fish. However, it is important to put this into context as most of the worlds stocks of cod and haddock are in very good shape and free from discards - such as those in Iceland and Norway where the majority of our cod and haddock is currently sourced. As one of the top seafood companies in Europe, the Icelandic Group has a great incentive to protect and rebuild fish stocks so that today and future generations can benefit from a growth in sustainable harvests from our local seas."