New research reveals that many Britons struggle to identify common fish species, with some mistaking them for poets or garden tools. According to a poll by the Marine Stewardship Council, over half of respondents did not know that a John Dory was a spiny fish, while 10% thought a coley was a breed of dog and 6% associated pollock with the American artist Jackson Pollock.
Despite this lack of knowledge, the survey found that Britons eat fish an average of five times a month, with the most popular choices being cod, haddock, salmon, tuna, and prawns. However, 86% of those surveyed admitted to only eating fish they were familiar with, with 60% never trying fish like John Dory, brill, or razor clams.
The survey also revealed that many consumers were hesitant to try new types of fish due to concerns about cost, taste, bones, or preparation. However, 79% expressed a desire to be more adventurous with their seafood choices.
George Clark, the MSC’s UK & Ireland programme director, highlighted the opportunity for consumers to improve their fish knowledge and skills by trying sustainable varieties of fish and seafood caught by fishing communities around the UK. He encouraged shoppers to look for the MSC’s blue tick logo on packaging to ensure they are buying fish from sustainable sources.
Sustainable options include MSC-certified sardines and hake from Cornwall, coley from Scotland, mussels, crab, and scallops from Shetland, and cockles from Poole harbour and Leigh-on-Sea. The MSC is currently running a campaign to encourage people to try something different and support sustainable fishing practices.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
