The Marine Conservation Society, which publishes the Good Fish Guide to rate seafood sustainability, has downgraded its recommendations for hake and coley. Both fish face declining stocks and increased fishing pressure, the charity said.
UK consumers have previously received guidance to avoid UK-caught cod due to population decline, and were instead directed toward European hake or coley as alternatives. The MCS now warns that these replacement options face their own sustainability challenges.
The Marine Conservation Society uses a traffic-light rating system in its Good Fish Guide to help consumers and businesses select seafood based on fish stock health and environmental impact. The downgraded ratings for hake and coley reflect worsening conditions for these species.