During the lockdown, Cornwall Good Seafood Guide, a project of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, provided a vital role in keeping Cornwall fishing by listing all fishermen and fish sellers selling direct to the public and delivering to people’s doors. They saw an incredible 69,000 new users during lockdown and were delighted to see people supporting Cornwall’s fishermen and seeking out information on sustainability.

The Cornwall Good Seafood Guide website made it easy for the public to find local fishermen willing to sell direct and local fishmongers willing to deliver fresh seafood to those who were isolating.

Abby Masterson of Cornwall Good Seafood guide said: “This has been a silver lining among the  chaos of this year. Thousands have seized the chance to reconnect with their fishermen. When the supermarket shelves were laid bare and stockpiling was at a high, the Cornish public reconnected with their local seafood”.

Kristen Whiting, a member of the public, commented, “My family has eaten more fish since lockdown than ever in our lives, and a much wider range than we would normally too. It’s wonderful to know we are helping the local fishing industry and not a supermarket. I really hope we can continue to buy direct, even when normality resumes”

To help tell the stories of the fishing community, the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide teamed up with Carrick Road Studios to produce a short film, introducing members of the Cornish fishing industry that have sustainability at the heart of their fishing and to tell you their stories of how they adapted their trade in the Coronavirus lockdown. Watch online at is.gd/cgsgvideo

After lockdown many fisherman who were forced to sell directly to the public, have continued to sell locally, and several seafood merchants have moved away from wholesale markets towards offering home deliveries to UK consumers.  Fishing boat owner Anthony Hosking of Newlyn is a great example. The high-quality catch that his boats land is now being offered direct to consumers via their online shop, Cornish Fish Direct, and can be delivered anywhere in the UK.

“You can help by buying and eating local sustainable seafood, either straight from the fishermen or online from a Cornish fish monger. Check out our online guide on what seafood we recommend and a comprehensive of suppliers who offer a sustainable choice.”

It is vital that we all support sustainable fish and choose species that are recommended by the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide in their online guide. Ratings have just been reviewed and published, and the good news is that 60% of Cornwall’s seafood is still recommended!

Follow the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to keep you up to date with the latest on sustainable seafood. Our website can help you find your local seafood supplier, whether that be a fisherman selling directly, fishmonger or restaurant. You will also find how-to guides, recipes, so you can be comfortable cooking with seafood in your own home! The Cornwall Good Seafood Guide can be found online at www.cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk.