As a responsible business owner we do our best to minimise the impact our business has on the environment. In fact, in the future, I don’t think it would be possible to trade without operating in a responsible way.
When it comes to our fish it is important to us that, not only is it of the finest quality, but also the fishing practices ensure a sustainable fishery. The fish and chip industry has a supply chain like no other, most of our distributers, processors, fishing vessels and farms are family businesses who want to shout about what they do well so they give us the opportunity to learn more about their side of the chain.
The Barents Sea and the waters around iceland are where much of our fish comes from as cod and haddock are demersel species meaning they prefer cold deep water. Its one of the anomalies of life that the UK exports most of the fish it catches and import most of the fish we use. I have recently returned from to study trips, one to Iceland and the other to Norway with the winners and finalists of the National Fish and Chip Awards, the main awards for the fish and chip industry that I help to run. On the trips we got to see first hand the methods used to catch fish and process them on board. The vessels are extremely modern with the latest equipment so they can be extremely targeted when it comes to which species they can catch.
When it comes to trawling the nets have a box section with holes big enough to allow smaller fish to pass through safely. They also operate to a very tight and well managed quota system that uses scientific data each year to set a total allowable catch based on the biomass of fish and age of fish sampled. They can tell the age of fish buy looking at the size of the ear bone. This system ensures the stocks are protected as it is in everyones interest to have a supply of fish that will never be exhausted.
On these study trips we not only tour the vessels but we also meet the scientists and processors so we get to understand the comlex supply system and get an insight of what we may face in the future. We also headed further north in Icleland where we got chance to meet fishermen with smaller vessels and get to understand where they fit in. I event managed to land a couple of cod myself.. but these were thrown back to fight another day!
My role as the president of the National Federation of Fish Friers also means I work with Government in the UK regarding fish supply. Recent Geopolitical events have meant it is important that we have great relations with the big fishing nations so we can ensure fish and chips are on the menu for years to come.
I have some videos and images from both trips so I will get those edited and release them when I get chance, but for now i’m working in the Euxton shop today so I will have to get a wiggle on!
Andrew
