I would like to thank Channel 4 for its series of programmes this week about the fish industry.

It’s only through a transparent discussion based on scientific evidence that best practice can be shared and bad practice eliminated. I thought Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s programme on discards was very touching. As a business we strongly oppose discarding, which is a waste of resources and a barrier to long-term sustainability. Welcome, Hugh, to a company that motivates everyone who cares about sustainability it’s good to have you on board.

The long-term sustainability of fish supply is central to our business. We have long been practical innovators towards sustainability, both through our buying policies and in our work with our suppliers to drive positive change, such as supporting langoustine in Stornoway to achieve MSC certification. This activity is enshrined in the practical and positive approach of our Fish for Life programme, which governs all the species we buy for both our Young’s and Findus brands and covers wild-caught and farmed fish.

We have also been at the forefront of bringing new sustainable species to market, for instance hoki, basa, Alaskan pollock and coley. While UK consumers have traditionally been conservative in their choice of fish, moves by celebrity chefs to encourage people to try a wider diversity of fish species in cooking is very important. Now it’s up to manufacturers like us to produce more exciting products, using sustainable species, that consumers want to buy and for retailers to help us sell them.

But more than this, regulatory reform is vital, not least so that all fish caught can be landed and properly recorded. We also need better technical conservation measures at sea. We have campaigned against discards for years and support the government in taking this challenge to the European Commission.

Aquaculture is another issue highlighted this week. This will prove to be an essential component in the world’s food supply as the ­rising global population, climate change and environmental degradation highlight the potential fragility of long-term food security.

Fish farming an ancient practice can make a vital contribution, as with the salmon industry, which already provides a regular supply of affordable and quality fish year-round. Without a growing fish farming industry, the world will not be able to ensure fish remains an accessible and affordable source of food.

In Fish for Life, our 10 Principles for Responsible Fish Procurement govern all our sourcing decisions and we work with producers to drive up standards. We will only buy from quality producers who operate in sustainable and ethical ways and apply our standards with stringent codes of practice and regular audit.

It is only when key stakeholders in the industry take a stand and work on supply chain issues that positive change is achieved. The recent moves by WWF and the industry are a good example of working with a wide group of stakeholders to develop a joint approach to solving problems.

I believe passionately in the role of business as a driver for positive change in the 21st century. In a transparent globalised world, it is only those businesses that show leadership in sustainability that deserve to succeed.

Topics