"The groundwork of all happiness is health." - Leigh Hunt

The secret to healthy and sturdy fish fingers – an authority explains.

I wish to eat fish fingers as a crusty bread sandwich with lemon juice, mayonnaise and salad. And I'm not alone. Fish fingers are some of the commonly bought fish products within the UK, with around 1.5 million eaten each day (that's 18 fish fingers every second), in accordance with Manufacturer Bird Eye.

I actually have recently been working with local people members, fishermen, businesses and a team of researchers from the University of Plymouth within the South West of England to develop a brand new Plymouth Fish Fingers It is each healthy and sustainable.

Because it includes locally caught fish within the weight loss program of often marginalized communities, where dietary quality is poor. Currently poor and might result in opposed health consequences. And since it uses fish that may otherwise be wasted and provides fishermen with a good value for his or her generally low value, (by-catch) is thus eaten. Reduces wastage and improves livelihoods.

Additionally, fish come from smaller day boats – these fishing vessels under 10m use less fuel per kg of fish caught and have less negative impact on marine habitats, including the seabed, than larger vessels. Environmental impact.

Originally made out of herring, the common-or-garden fish finger was introduced to Britain within the Nineteen Fifties with a sales pitch. “No bones, no waste, no smell, no fuss”. Soon after, Cod's blander flavor and whiter color took over from the general public vote.

Today's fish fingers are mostly made out of cod and infrequently haddock. Recently, some containing hake, pollock or collie have been labeled as “omega-3” varieties, although the labels will be misleading, often lacking traceability.

Despite the large UK market, fish fingers are called “Surprisingly Durable” by conservationists. According to the Marine Conservation Society Good fish finger guideSome of the perfect and most durable selections will be the most cost effective (supermarket own) brands.

Through the Plymouth Fish Finger Project, my team and I actually have built relationships with local people groups, fishing industry partners and businesses, town's university and native schools. A visit to the chefs). This will increase the quantity of locally caught fish entering the Plymouth supply chain slightly than leaving it for consumption outside town.

Our ultimate goal is to include our products into local school food systems. School food provider So city kids can profit, not only by eating it, but additionally by learning about it.



To discover what type of fish must be utilized in our fish fingers, we worked with an ethical fish retailer. Sole discretion And Plymouth Fishing and Seafood Associationeach are committed to sourcing fish and shellfish with as little environmental damage as possible.

Through careful consideration in addition to quite a few discussions with them and native fishermen Local fish supply chainwe decided to make our fish fingers using either pouting, dogfish or whiting, depending on what was available and caught by our designated captains on the time.

Beyond the Big Five

Traditionally, UK consumers have had a robust preference for seafood. Most (80%) of all seafood is sold within the UK. There are five types (salmon, cod, haddock, prawns and tuna). But most of the big five usually are not caught in UK or Irish waters, so their sustainability credentials are called into query. Most used UK Democratic Charter Fish are caught within the North Atlantic or Pacific Ocean.

Mostly Salmon Originates from Alaska and the east coast of Russia, while being sold within the UK. Pink prawns They come from the east coast of Canada and Greenland.

Shifting focus away from the Big Five and promoting other locally sourced fish may also help reduce pressure from overfishing and other environmental impacts comparable to seafloor damage and pollution, that are necessary nutrients. destroy marine biodiversity while maintaining Benefits of eating fish.

The picturesque harbor with its colorful fishing boats is linked to the Barbican area of ​​Plymouth
Dayboats landing fish in Plymouth harbor are using bycatch to create sustainable fish fingers.
Gordon Bell/Shutterstock

Several alternative fish species are advisable Marine Stewardship CouncilFor example, hake or coal (white fish), sardines or herring (oily fish), clams, cockles or mussels (shellfish) are considered good options if caught in UK and Irish waters.

Others could also be available seasonally and from the Marine Conservation Society Good fish guide A useful place to start out. Read labels rigorously to seek out out if fish is locally caught, support local fish markets and ask your fishmonger for advice. Prepare and cook Different sorts of fish.

Our Plymouth fish finger is greater than just food – it's a strategy to engage diverse groups of individuals and empower them to assist change the fish supply chain for the higher. Such small, local efforts can result in major changes in food systems which have an enduring impact on local residents, fishing communities, and the economy.


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