Marine Conservation Society warns of declining hake and coley fish stocks

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has issued warnings regarding several fish species due to declining populations and increased fishing pressure. In its Good Fish Guide, the MCS downgraded European hake caught in the North Sea, Celtic Seas, and Bay of Biscay from green to amber.

Coley, a common whitefish alternative to cod, has been downgraded to a red rating for catches in the North Sea, west of Scotland, Rockall, and Skagerrak due to population decline and the absence of recovery plans. North-east Arctic coley also saw downgrades across various fishing methods. Additionally, haddock caught in Icelandic waters slipped from green to amber as catches exceeded scientific advice.

Conversely, some stocks remain sustainable. Coley caught in Icelandic waters and Cornish hake maintain green ratings. Haddock from the North Sea, Skagerrak, and Scottish waters also remains green-rated. The MCS advises consumers to diversify their seafood choices and calls for the UK government to implement better management to protect declining fisheries.