Seafood paella

The issue:

All sorts go into paella; different fish, such as skipjack, bigeye and yellowfin tuna; anchovies, mackerel and sardines; shrimp; and octopus and squid.

The rich marine resources of the Northwest African coast have been ransacked by the commercial fishing fleets of Europe, threatening not only fish stocks, but the food and economic security of the people that have used these resources sustainably for centuries. Unlike Western consumers, who can just switch to another product on the supermarket shelf, the people of West Africa depend on seafood. African fishers are involved in this market as well, but they're selling more and more to Europe, rather than in their own countries. Fishing agreements and EU subsidies often allow even unprofitable fisheries to be pushed into over-exploitation. And to top it all off, bycatch from these operations is huge - the Europeans throw away all but the most popular and expensive species.

Action:

Go for "paella de marisco", with shrimp, Norway lobster, clams, squid and a variety of fish that is caught locally in the Mediterranean. Or choose a traditional Valencia paella, made from chicken and rabbit, and without fish.

Quote:

"European consumers are buying fish and shrimp stolen from some of the world's poorest people." Simon Cripps, Marine Director, WWF International (Click to read more about paella)

Sustainable seafood: Consumer guides

Where to buy MSC fish

Discover alternative sustainable seafood recipes