Working with the fishing industry
MCS liaises with the fishing industry to help tackle fisheries issues such as bycatch, discards and habitat damage. We encourage the development of fishing methods that reduce environmental damage and support fish stock recovery.
We regularly attend the Common Language Group with a range of stakeholders (fishers, chefs, suppliers, Government, supermarkets) to develop consensus on fisheries issues and work together to solve the most pressing problems. MCS also takes part in a series of issue-specific meetings, including the National Scallop Group, Skate and Ray Group, Discard Action Group and previously, the International Tuna Roundtable.
MCS gives a voice to all of our members who believe in protecting our seas, wildlife, endangered fish stocks and our fragile marine environment.
Getting our hands dirty!
We believe that to truly understand fisheries issues, we need to get right into the middle of them. Sometimes that means getting our hands dirty on commercial boats, to understand the practicalities of regulations. Sometimes it means visiting the Fisheries Protection Squadron, to learn how enforcement is key to protecting our oceans, and sometimes it involves visiting local communities to understand the inherent issues in a specific fishery and learn about voluntary conservation work being carried out to protect fish stocks and the environment.
Working with retailers
We work closely with all types of retailers, from the people who buy fish on the quayside, to those who put it on your plate. We help develop the internal buying policies of these retailers and advise them on what sourcing sustainable seafood means.
MCS works with the UK’s major supermarkets to create a specific supermarket survey. This shows you who is working hardest to put sustainable seafood on the shelves. We examine their internal policies, labelling detail, staff training and overall attitude toward sustainable seafood, so that you can choose where it's best to shop.
To find out what MCS recommends to retailers, download our sustainable fish sourcing policy.
