Fish Dishes - the unacceptable face of seafood

Seafood is a popular and healthy part of the European diet, with the average EU citizen consuming around 22 kg per year.

But there is a problem. This section provides a snapshot of the destruction and waste behind some European fisheries.

Choose from the following popular seafood dishes eaten and discover the major problems behind them.

Fish & Chips

A delicate flavour and easily preserved flesh has made cod a favourite throughout Europe for centuries.

But as fishers became evermore efficient at catching this versatile fish, populations began a slow decline. Read more

Sushi

Highly prized for sushi and sashimi, bluefin tuna is the most valuable fish on the planet.

But increased demand and the high prices paid have seen fishing spiral out of control - particularly for Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean Sea, the site of most bluefin catches. Read more

Plaice Fillet

Fished for centuries for their delicately flavoured white flesh, plaice and sole are the most important flatfish in European fisheries.

Unfortunately though, most catches come from Europe’s single-most wasteful fishery - where more than half the plaice catch is thrown overboard, dead. A huge amount of other marine life hauled up in the nets is also dumped back in the sea. Read more

Swordfish steak

Once almost impossible to sell, swordfish is now extremely popular for grilling, barbequing, baking, and more.

But with the hearty steak comes a heavy toll of other marine life caught alongside the swordfish - including endangered sharks, dolphins, and marine turtles to name a few. Read more

Langoustine Linguine

Once thrown away as unwanted bycatch, Norway lobster is now a highly valuable catch.

But the soft muddy seafloor in which Norway lobster live is particularly sensitive to bottom trawling, one of the most damaging fishing practices. Read more

Seafood Paella

The Northwest African coast was once a rich source of seafood for local people.

But once commercial fishing fleets arrived from Europe and other distant countries, the region’s marine resources began to decline. Read more

Want to know more?

Find out more about the unacceptable face of seafood and what you can do to help

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