MCS has responded to the article in the Independent (15th May 2010) about North Sea cod
Dear Sir
With reference to the article by Martin Hickman in the Independent on Saturday 15th May 2010, (click here for article) the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) feels it must clarify a number of points in the piece that may have left consumers confused about whether or not to eat North Sea cod.
MCS is pleased to see that the combined North Sea cod stock is beginning to show signs of improvement, and praises the recent conservation initiatives aimed at its recovery, which have been supported by many fishers. However, the article painted a more positive picture of the situation than is the scientific reality. MCS feels this could confuse consumers into believing that the stock has recovered to a healthy enough state where they can once again make North Sea cod their whitefish of choice, when in fact it is below safe biological limits and at risk of stock collapse.
Last year's scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) estimated the amount of reproductive adult cod from the combined North Sea stock to be 54,200 tonnes. This is slightly above one third of the ‘precautionary’ reference point of 150,000t recommended by scientists as the level at which the stock should be kept, and well below the ‘limit’ reference point, of 70,000t, under which there is a serious risk of stock collapse.
Just six years ago the combined stock of adult North Sea cod was at a historical minimum, and in the context of longterm trends, it is still well below the 250,000t it reached in the 1970s
MCS currently recommends that consumers choose cod from the Marine Stewardship Council certified fishery in the Northeast Arctic, where stocks are healthier and well managed. We would also strongly encourage consumers to diversify their seafood choices to other sustainable alternatives to help relieve the pressure on all ten cod stocks currently on the MCS Fish to Avoid list. Sustainable whitefish alternatives include Alaskan Pollock, line caught Coley, and line caught Cornish Pollack. Consumers can find out more at the MCS fishonline.org website and download a free pocket Good Fish Guide.
MCS is passionate about ensuring consumer understanding when it comes to eating fish from sustainable stocks. We’re confident that if current measures remain in place, we will see further improvements of this stock, but for now we urge seafood lovers to look for sustainable alternatives. We are pleased to see the Independent taking such an interest in the potential of a cod recovery, and hope that the newspaper will be able to report further positive news as the trend continues!
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. Sam Fanshawe
Director
