SCATHING REVIEW FROM SCOTTISH SEAFOOD ASSOCIATION ON MCS GOOD FISH GUIDE

Scathing review from Scottish Seafood Association on MCS Good Fish Guide. Scottish seafood processors have launched a scathing attack on the Marine Conservation Society over misleading advice given in its latest Good Fish Guide. The statement follows a previous comment from Seafish, the public body that supports the UK seafood industry.

Scottish Seafood Association chief executive Jimmy Buchan accused the organisation of misinforming consumers and putting jobs at risk with its “assessments of fish to avoid”.

“The Marine Conservation Society urges consumers not to buy crab and lobster because of alleged concerns about whales becoming entangled in gear,” he said.

“Yet there is very little evidence of this being a significant problem and where risks have been identified the industry is working collaboratively to minimise any impact.

“And the MCS’ conclusion about monkfish, which it also urges consumers to avoid, is utterly laughable at a time when this species has never been so abundant on the fishing grounds.

“The MCS will not open up its methodology for wider scrutiny, thus stoking suspicion that it is chasing cheap headlines based on prejudice and not fact.

“This blatantly anti-fishing organisation is causing real damage to fishing communities and legitimate businesses that employ more than 5,000 people in Scotland and are subject to far more regulation, checks and balances than it will ever face.”