Story perspectives

Marine Society Urges Brits: Avoid Unsustainable Cod Now

4/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Marine Conservation Society warns Britons to avoid cod because no domestically sourced cod is sustainable.
Overfishing and rising sea temperatures have driven the decline since 2015.
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) advised against catching cod in the North Sea for 2026.
The MCS urges the government to back low-impact fishing and promote European hake and haddock.
Mackerel has been downgraded, prompting Waitrose to cease sales.

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Story summary

The Marine Conservation Society warns Britons to avoid cod because no domestically sourced cod is sustainable.
Overfishing and rising sea temperatures have driven the decline since 2015.
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) advised against catching cod in the North Sea for 2026.
The MCS urges the government to back low-impact fishing and promote European hake and haddock.
Mackerel has been downgraded, prompting Waitrose to cease sales.