The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) was nominated for one of the prestigious Observer Ethical Awards, which were announced last night (7th June, 2007). The MCS Sustainable Seafood Programme was one of just three initiatives short-listed for “Campaign of the Yearâ€, in the Observer Ethical Awards scheme, which recognises the most innovative and passionate ethical projects in the UK.
Mrs Sam Fanshawe, MCS Director said: “We are delighted that the MCS Sustainable Seafood Programme was nominated for the prestigious Observer Ethical Award and congratulate the winners. Whilst not taking the prize, the accolade of having made the final shortlist is praise indeed for MCS’s highly effective campaign to promote sustainable seafood including the Good Fish Guide and Fishonline. “
The MCS Sustainable Seafood Programme enables consumers, in the UK and Europe, to make informed choices when buying seafood to secure a sustainable future for fish, and for the wider fabric of life in our seas. Nomination for this Award is recognition for the effectiveness of this campaign and reflects a surge in public interest in making fisheries management sustainable.
Bernadette Clarke, MCS Fisheries Officer, has spearheaded the campaign on behalf of MCS since 1998, with the publication of the first UK ‘Good Fish Guide’ book in 2002 and development of the widely acclaimed website www.fishonline.org. To provide up-to-date and easily accessible consumer advice about the sustainability of over 150 fish stocks the Fishonline website is updated annually, together with a Pocket Good Fish Guide which provides lists of Fish to Eat and Fish to Avoid.
MCS has influenced and advised the development of sustainable fish buying policies by many of the key UK food retailers; M&S, Tesco, Waitrose, CoOp, Asda, Somerfield and Sainsbury’s have removed from sale species identified by MCS as “Fish to Avoidâ€. MCS has also produced guidance for chefs, and advised the House of Commons and several restaurant and hotel chains on the adoption of sustainable seafood policies. Throughout the campaign MCS has engaged in constructive dialogue with fishermen, fish producers, associations, retailers and fish farmers. The Programme has resulted in the stated support of a number of individuals from within the fishing industry for, variously, its “reasonable†position, “thorough and useable adviceâ€, and “robust voiceâ€.
More information about the Sustainable Seafood Programme can be found at the www.fishonline.org website. A new MCS Pocket Good Fish Guide, featuring lists of fish to eat and fish to avoid, can be obtained FREE – send a SAE to MCS, call 01989 566017, e-mail info@mcsuk.org or download from the website.
