Net caught monkfish and net caught ling have both been added to the growing list of recommended seafood published on the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide website, both can now be labeled with the powerful eco brand, the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide recommended symbol, which is gaining recognition across the county and further afield.
Other recommended species include Cornish ring net caught sardines, rope grown mussels, pot caught crab, lobsters, and spider crabs, line caught mackerel, Fal and Porthilly oysters, net-caught hake and plaice, to name just a few.
Fish merchant Rob Wing who is a supporter of the guide says,
“It is great news for our local fishermen that monkfish and ling have made it onto the recommended list. Both species are vitally important to the local inshore netting fleet who operate as sustainably and responsibly as possible.”
Matt Slater of Cornwall Good Seafood Guide says,
“Our website is the place to go to find information on Cornish seafood and its sustainability. The website works on smartphones as well as tablets and computers and is a great reference point for those who are looking to check the sustainability of seafood on offer at their local fishmongers or restaurant.”
Consumers are increasingly concerned about sustainability when choosing seafood as visits to the site have doubled each year since its creation in 2015 with over 5000 visits per month in peak season. The Trust is actively encouraging people to seek out recommended Cornish seafood.
Matt Slater continues,
“It is far better to support local sustainable fishermen than eating imported seafood such as farmed salmon, bass or king prawns. Not only are you cutting your carbon footprint but you are encouraging good fishing practices that benefit our marine environment and wildlife”.
The Cornwall Good Seafood Guide is a website produced by Cornwall Wildlife Trust in partnership with the Cornish fishing industry and the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Fish Guide. It is packed with information on fish and fishing methods to help consumers see what's currently in-season and most sustainable to eat. The guide also features tasty seafood recipes, a directory of where to purchase great local seafood, and a series of ‘meet the fishermen’ videos. The Cornwall Good Seafood Guide can be found online at www.cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk
Businesses across Cornwall, and further afield, are now being encouraged to become supporters of the project as a way of highlighting the great local seafood they sell, at the same time as educating the public on the best choices to go for. Over 70 businesses including big names in food such as Nathan Outlaw, the Eden Project, Fifteen Cornwall, Red Hotels, St Aubyn Estates and St Austell Brewery, are already supporting the project. Please check the ‘where to buy’ section of the website to find a seafood supplier near you!