Switch the fish for a sustainable dish

Thu, 07 Jul 2011

Had enough of haddock? Too much tuna? Get some fresh ideas for fish with a new supermarket campaign. 

Some of the very best fish comes from sustainable stocks in Scottish waters, so why not sample some fine local produce and cook up a treat with a difference? Now you can get inspiration in your local supermarket as Sainsbury's has launched the 'Switch the Fish' campaign, promoting the use of lesser-known, more sustainable types of fish. Get great ideas with exclusive recipe tip cards available at the popular supermarket's fish counters, and look out for the Switch the Fish van as it tours cities and stores across Scotland.

At present, 80% of fish sales are made up of the 'Big 5' - cod, haddock, tuna, salmon and prawns. Why not try something different, such as pouting, megrim, coley, and mackerel and make more sustainable choices?

"Sainsbury’s Switch the Fish campaign really marks a step change in our support of alternative species of fish", said Justin King, Sainsbury’s chief executive. "It’s not about eliminating the 'Big 5', but helping our customers to widen their repertoire. We hope that by leading by example, we can help change UK fish eating habits to restore declining fish stocks."

You may have seen the recent television series starring Jamie Oliver looking at how to use more sustainable varieties of fish and shellfish. You can follow suit in Scotland by choosing these varieties from menus in wonderful seafood restaurants, from Aberdeen to Glasgow. Or buy your own ingredients from fishmongers and markets in places like the thriving resort of Oban on the west coast. Purchase mackerel, mussels, coley, crab or trout and cook up a sustainable storm for yourself.