SUSTAINABLE FISHING

So what is sustainable fishing and why is it important? This blog will discuss this question along with some background on the quality and benefits of cooking with our sustainably sourced fish. Destructive fishing methods have been extremely damaging to marine life. The practices often lead to overfishing which can wipe out entire varieties of fish and cause fisheries to collapse. Overfishing has become a major global problem, with industrial fishing fleets being mostly responsible. As a consequence of this, small-scale localised fishers, which are generally far more sustainable, have been sold short. 

Sustainable fishing essentially means harvesting fish and other seafood in a manner that maintains long term health and productivity of marine ecosystems. Approaching fishing in this manner helps preserve fish populations, protect biodiversity and support the livelihoods of fishing communities.  

Eating sustainable, locally-caught fish is good not only for the environment but for your taste buds as you can really get a sense for the freshness of the fish. Our fish is hand-caught in Devon where there is abundant marine life and a haven for sustainable fishing practices. Hand caught fishing is also known as artisanal fishing and is a traditional method that relies on human skill and knowledge of the sea and the fish. 

If you don’t know a lot about different kinds of fish, keep reading for information on some of the UK fish we sell and what's so great about it. 

HAND DIVED SCALLOPS FROM DEVON


Scallops are a type of shellfish and come from the same family as mussels, clams and oysters. They possess a delicate flavour and a buttery, tender texture. Our sustainable Start Bay scallops are picked by hand by local divers that ensure they’re not damaging sea beds or the scallops. They’re best when seared or grilled with some oil or butter until golden brown, also great wrapped in pancetta. Can serve them with a light sauce of white wine, lemon juice, garlic and butter for a simple yet rich tasting experience! 



SEA BREAM


Sea bream is similar to a bass, but slightly sweeter. It has been increasingly gaining popularity in restaurants and in home kitchens as it is very versatile. It is a medium sized fish with beautiful silvery skin and white flesh. It comes prepped, filleted and cut into two fillet portions. We recommend keeping it simple with the cooking to really appreciate the flavour of this fish by simply pan frying with ginger and spring onions. Similarly, this fish is lovely roasted greek style with some oregano, olives, garlic and cherry tomatoes. 



WILD BRITISH HAKE FILLET

Hake are members of the cod family and are an incredibly versatile fish. Our hake is sustainable and beautifully large, with a mild taste and texture. The flesh of the hake has a nice flakey texture and a pale subtle flavour that is similar to cod. Hake has firm flesh and can be prepared in a number of ways because of this. It’s a great fish for barbecue season, but can also be pan fried or roasted. 
WILD BRITISH HADDOCK FILLET 


Haddock is another member of the cod family and is the fish most commonly used in fish and chips. Haddock is another white fish and has a fresh, juicy, and mild flavour. It can be baked, grilled and battered making it an incredibly versatile fish for all seasons. We recommend using this in a classic fish and chips recipe (link to James Bowen recipe) or grilling it and adding a basic lemon sauce for a nice al fresco meal. 



WILD BRITISH MACKERELS LINE CAUGHT IN START BAY


Mackerel is a fish for people that like the taste of fish. This is a great fish for grilling and uncomplicated recipes as the flavour is amazing on its own. Grilling this fish gives the skin a crispy, smokey flavour, and has added health benefits as it's an oily fish packed with omega 3 fatty acids. We recommend cooking this up with some lemon and garlic to enhance the natural flavours of the fish. 



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