MSC’S BUY BLUE PROTECT DINNER CAMPAIGN GOES COAST TO COAST FOR EASTER

MSC’s Buy Blue Protect Dinner campaign goes coast to coast for Easter. Four UK coastal towns that are home to some of Britain’s best-loved and most sustainable seafood are the focus of a major advertising campaign by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) this Easter, encouraging consumers to look for its blue ecolabel when choosing their favourite species during the holidays and beyond.

The MSC UK & Ireland has taken its national Buy Blue Protect Dinner campaign – first launched as part of last year’s Sustainable Seafood September – to the north, south, east and west coasts of the UK as it looks to build on the initiative’s initial success.

Residents of, and visitors to, the four fishing towns will be greeted by billboards and posters championing dishes made with the species for which they’ve become synonymous while highlighting how the MSC’s blue ecolabel protects our favourite dishes and the ocean for future generations.

Images of dishes showcasing the catch from the centuries-old cockle fishery in Leigh-on-Sea and Poole’s cockle and clam fishery, as well as the hake and haddock fisheries in Newlyn and Aberdeen respectively, are accompanied by the Buy Blue Protect Dinner campaign slogan and a reminder that sustainable fishing means our seafood favourites are here to stay.

Sam Dell, Principal Deputy Chief Officer, from the Southern Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority, which manages the Poole Harbour MSC Clam and Cockle Fishery, said:

“The MSC certification is an independent verification of the hard work and collaborative approach by both fishers and managers to ensure that the fishery can operate sustainably and in a way which is compatible with the conservation objectives of the Poole Harbour Marine Protected Area. 

“It’s important that we choose sustainable seafood as by doing so we contribute to securing the right balance between environmental and economic benefits which leads to ensuring healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry. The Buy Blue Protect Dinner campaign recognises our local fishing community and demonstrates the positive role they play in sustainable fisheries and food security at a local level.”

As well as the out of home advertising, MSC UK & Ireland is engaging with local media in each of the four towns and running a social media campaign reminding consumers they can continue to enjoy their favourite seafood year-round by looking for the blue MSC ecolabel in supermarkets and restaurants wherever they live – not just when visiting the coast. Lewis Tattersall, MSC UK & Ireland Senior Fisheries Outreach Manager, said:

“What better way is there to champion sustainable UK seafood than taking our Buy Blue Protect Dinner campaign to four of the country’s best-known fishing towns?

“Whether it’s fish pie, shellfish linguine or the classic of classics, fish and chips, we all need a reminder sometimes that if we want to enjoy these, our favourite dishes, for decades to come, we must look for the blue MSC ecolabel – whether we’re having a meal out on holiday or doing the weekly grocery shop.”

The Easter campaign, providing consumers with a delicious and practical way to make a positive difference, runs until Sunday 19 April.

Image: Poole Harbour, Emma Rance