Living in Dorset we’re blessed with being close to the coast and the amazing food that can be found there, meaning that there are plenty of delicious fish and seafood options all year around. Fresh, locally caught seafood is undoubtedly the best kind of seafood and eating seasonably and sustainably is the best way to make sure that we can continue to enjoy the tastes of the sea.
Another way to ensure that we continue to get the best the oceans have to offer is to make sure our seafood is responsibly sourced, so make sure to visit one of the region’s fishmongers to find the very best in seasonal and sustainable seafood.
According to Seafish, a company that supports the UK seafood sector “sustainability is about meeting the needs of today’s consumers in a way that doesn’t compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
For seafood to be responsibly sourced, it needs to be caught or farmed in a way that:
- Minimises impact on fish stocks and the marine environment
- Supports the livelihoods of fishing and coastal communities
- Respects basic human rights including welfare and equality.
These are things that you can guarantee by buying from local seafood producers and fishmongers.
Want to be certain that you’re enjoying seafood sustainably?
- Buy from real fishmongers
They have the best knowledge and the best produce. - Ask the question
When you buy your fresh fish and seafood, ask the fishmonger where it came from and how it was caught. They will happily talk to you about origins and catching methods. - Buy fresh
Fish comes in daily, so it is much easier to buy fresh than you might think. If you’re worried about the preparation, you can always ask your fishmonger to do it for you. - Try buying different species
Some species are put under strain because they are more popular than others. By eating a varied range of fish and seafood, we can make sure that our waters are being fished more sustainably. For example, try a cuttlefish instead of a squid or a ling instead of a monkfish.
