insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 17 - July 2016 | Page 37

FOOD+DRINK

From Sea to Plate
The high street is not the place it once was. Where we used to have a range of different shops
including a greengrocer, butcher, and a fishmonger for our everyday shopping needs, we now
tend to traipse off to the supermarket and get everything under one roof. And although that’s
convenient, it’s not quite the same…which is why, when we do find excellent, independent
fishmongers, we need to use them and make the most of them. Luckily for us, Sussex has a
thriving fishing industry and there are a number of fantastic fishmongers across the county.

Even better, these fishermen and fishmongers all ensure that they do
their work sustainably. So, just what is sustainable fishing, and why is it
so important? Sustainable fishing is a particular way of fishing that means
the ‘target species’ (that is, the type of fish being fished for) can maintain
its population. The fishing that takes place must not negatively impact
that species of fish, other species of fish (that are required to be fished
sustainably), or cause damage to the sea’s delicate ecosystem.

Sustainable fishing is important, and there are two main reasons for this.
Firstly, it’s essential that future generations have seafood to eat. By creating
a sustainable fish list and enforcing the laws and rules that govern the
waters, we can leave as many of our seas as intact as possible for the next
generation. If we didn’t, we would literally eat all the fish in the sea. Estimates
show that by 2048 – which isn’t so very far in the future – there will be no
more edible fish left if we continue at the rate we are fishing at the moment.

Essentially, sustainable fishing is meant to ensure that the seas aren’t
overfished, so we don’t end up with a shortage of any one particular
species. Fishmongers and fishermen who fish sustainably only target
those species that reproduce quickly and that are common, and luckily
for us, these fish breeds include tasty anchovies, sea bass, coley,
haddock, halibut, and, of course, lobster amongst 50 or so others.

The second reason sustainable fishing is so important is that overfishing
one species can have a massive, devastating effect on many others;
everything is connected. If we lose one type of fish, we’ll lose many more
because their food supply will be lost. So, always choose sustainably
caught fish, and you’ll ensure we can keep our seas full for the future.
Why not check out these Sussex-based fishmongers and fish suppliers
for when you need your next seafood fix? And, since they supply some
of the most well-known restaurants in the area, the chances are you’ve
already eaten some of what they’ve caught...

Sustainable fishing practice isn’t just a ‘nice thing to do’ either. National
and international governments have now imposed laws about fishing
restrictions so that fishing in certain sensitive areas is limited.

37