The Marine Conservation Society has updated its Good Fish Guide, which helps seafood lovers make better choices when considering the environmental impact of fishing.
Here are some of its top tips for buying and eating sustainable seafood.
How to shop for sustainable and affordable seafood
Try mussels
Mussels are actually a great sustainable seafood, as they're harvested by hand and are grown using methods that have a low impact on the marine environment. Try cooking them with white wine and garlic for simple, sustainable, nutritious and cost-effective dinner.
Opt for lesser-known species of fish
Most of the seafood consumed in the UK comes from the big five: cod, haddock, salmon, tuna and prawns – but there are loads of other choices out there to try! You could give underused fish like coley or hake a try, and you might find they're a more affordable option. They also come from more plentiful stocks, which makes them a more sustainable option.
Ash your fishmonger for advice
Rather than just picking a familiar fish, why not ask your fishmonger for their expert advice on what's fresh, locally caught and in season? They'll usually be able to offer you affordable, sustainable alternatives and cooking and serving suggestions. Farmed rainbow trout or Arctic char are good local sustainable options, for example.
Give tins a go
Anchovies and sardines are often available in tins and jars, and are rich in vital fats, oils and omega-3, making them a healthy and convenient option.
If you're buying mackerel, be sure to get line-caught mackerel, and with all tinned fish, check the label to see where it was caught and check the Good Fish Guide to see whether the fish supports ocean-friendly practices.
The Marine Conservation Society recommends sardines from Cornwall and anchovies from the Bay of Biscay.
Try an alternative to mackerel
Over the last four years, North East Atlantic mackerel has been overfished by an average of 23 per cent.
"It's deeply concerning to see a source of seafood that was once a sustainable choice in such decline," says Alice Moore, Good Fish Guide Manager at the Marine Conservation Society.
"Mackerel is under such immense pressure from fishing activities across multiple nations, and the stock will soon be no longer able to sustain itself."
The Marine Conservation Society recommends trying herring from the North Sea and eastern English Channel or sardines from Cornwall as alternatives.
Avoid fillets – buy the whole fish
Rather than buying pre-cut fillets, consider buying the whole fish. Not only is this often a cheaper option, it also helps minimise waste, as you can use every part – including the bones and skin – to make homemade stocks. Hake or lemon sole from the North Sea are great options.
Consider frozen fish
Buying fish frozen in bulk helps reduce waste by extending the shelf life of your food, and also is often better value for money. North Sea haddock is a great sustainable frozen fish option.
Top image: North Sea herring (credit: Getty)