All the core lines of wild fish sold in the UK are now sustainably sourced, claims major seafood supplier Young's.

While environmental groups complain fish stocks are dangerously over-exploited, Young's deputy chief executive Mike Parker said the UK's mostpopular species were on an even keel. He made the claim as Young's launched a retail product made from basa - the latest exotic fish species to be tapped in the quest for sustainability.

"It may seem surprising, but we don't believe there are any core species in the UK that are unsustainable," he said. "Confusion continues to exist, though. Some consumers think certain fish (cod, for example) should be avoided because they are globally threatened. This isn't the case.

"It is very important that people start to understand that sustainable seafood choices require an understanding of not just which fish, but which fishery (i.e. where) it has come from."

For example, UK suppliers source cod from well-managed Atlantic and Pacific fisheries, not the North Sea.

However, the climate was also favourable for promoting alternatives to species under threat, now that multiples were solidly behind sustainability, Parker added.

"That's why we're rolling out packaging which will communicate our 'Fish for Life' message and help consumers to understand the responsible fisheries agenda."

In the future, the species and its origin will appear on Young's packs. "Consistent on pack communication is vital, as is advertising and communication in store," said Parker.

To avoid confusion in the UK, Parker urged other manufacturers to adopt the name 'basa' on their own products. The fish is also known as Vietnamese catfish or by its Latin name, Pangasius.

Young's basa p62

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