Scale back on hake and coley, seafood charity tells shoppers

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) urged UK shoppers to scale back on two cod alternatives, downgrading both European hake and coley in its Good Fish Guide. Hake caught in the North Sea, Celtic Seas, or Bay of Biscay was cut from green to amber due to declining stocks and increased fishing pressure. Coley caught around the UK fell from amber to red—the guide’s “fish to avoid” category. Of 10 coley fisheries rated, only two remain green while eight are amber. The charity said stock status shifts constantly and consumers should diversify seafood choices. The guide added wild-caught sea bass as a more sustainable swap, while Atlantic bluefin tuna gained a new green rating.