Co-op launches brand new "sustainable" fish range

The organisation stated, following a special event on the River Thames, that a new checklist has been created so that all items in the fish range will now adhere to the Responsible Fish Sourcing Policy.

And the company said that it is working with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) so that more fisheries can be certified and therefore more sustainable produce will become available.

The Co-op said that a number of matters are taken into account in the list strategy such as potentially dangerous methods of fishing, illegal fishing and over-fishing.

Director of retail food marketing at the Co-op Debbie Robinson claimed that the firm has worked hard to try and realise such environmental assistance.

"As a responsible retailer, we have to address the fact that dwindling stocks and poor fishing practices are real concerns, which is why we are working with the MSC to extend our range of MSC certified fish," she said.

UK commercial manager at the MSC Toby Middleton added that this is a "proactive" programme that customers will appreciate.

The launch took place onboard The Prince Madog research vessel owned by Bangor University. Professor Colin Jago from the academic institution's school of ocean sciences said that it his department is keen to forge more links with the Co-op.