UK consumers have an important chance to truly contribute to marine conservation by choosing Friend of the Sea (FotS) certified NO CATCH…JUST FISH FINGERS, the world’s first sustainable, organic cod fish fingers, now available in over 600 Sainsbury’s and Tesco stores.
“Atlantic cod is included in the IUCN Redlist of endangered species, and its stocks are either overexploited or severely depleted, according to the main fisheries institutes in the area (ICES and NAFO).” says Dr Paolo Bray, director of Friend of the Sea. “Neither hake nor hoki should be seen as a sustainable alternative to cod, as their stocks too are overexploited and they are mostly caught by bottom trawlers, which plough the seabed causing extensive habitat destruction and high by-catch rates of corals, sharks and skates”
“Sustainable cod farming is a much lower impact way to produce cod when compared to bottom trawling,” Continues Dr Bray. “Consuming NO CATCH cod instead of wild caught cod takes the pressure off the wild cod stocks and off the habitat impacted by the cod bottom trawling fishery.”
Based in the heart of Shetland, NO CATCH has introduced groundbreaking techniques to create the world’s first sustainable, organic cod and the UK’s first sustainable, organic sea trout. The fish are free from hormones and pesticides and are sustainably fed on the off-cuts of fish already caught for human consumption. Monitored by an in-house team of experts, NO CATCH is committed to developing new research into sustainable and organic fish farming while protecting and enhancing the welfare of fish and minimising any potential environmental impact. The company exceeds regulatory standards and works in close association with environmental organisations including the Marine Conservation Society, Organic Food Federation and the RSPCA. Greenpeace regards it as among the best aquaculture practice in the industry.
NO CATCH obtained certification from (FotS) - the environmental body that certifies and promotes seafood from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture - and it is proudly carrying its logo on their products. FotS is an NGO started by the Earth Island Institute, which has had 20 years experience of eco-labelling fish products, including dolphin-safe tuna, to ensure the conservation of species.
Paolo Bray, director of FotS said: “NO CATCH’s commitment to developing and implementing environmental and sustainable production methods is impressive. By working with NO CATCH, FotS is able to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our seas and sea life for future generations.”
Karol Rzepkowski, managing director of NO CATCH, said: “It’s great to be part of Friend of the Sea as it promotes eco-friendly seafood and provides consumers with the opportunity to actively contribute to the conservation of the marine ecosystem. As with FotS, NO CATCH strives to educate the public on the problems facing our seafood industry and what they can do to help“
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