The problem?

Our sea life is under threat. Over half of the world's fisheries are fully exploited and a further quarter are over-exploited or depleted. Some fishing techniques damage the seabed and kill the creatures living there, and a quarter of all animals caught are thrown back into the sea dead or dying because they are not the intended catch.

The fishing industry is developing ways to make their catch and their livelihoods sustainable, but this is something we can all help with. Suppliers, retailers and restaurants can choose alternative sources of seafood that put less pressure on the marine environment, and consumers can be encouraged to question the origins and capture methods of the fish and shellfish they eat.

What about local fish?

Have you ever eaten fish caught by a Cumbrian fisherman? The Irish Sea has a wide range of edible fish species but you wouldn't know it judging by the fish counters in supermarkets across the county. In fact, looking at the menus in our restaurants, you wouldn't even know that Cumbria had a coastline! (Which I gather is, by the way, an impressive 103 miles long).

Cumbria Wildlife Trust are curious about this phenomenon and have begun an 18 month investigation into locally-sourced and responsible seafood, which we have called the 'Wild Oceans' project!

Do you prefer Cumbrian lamb or lamb from say, New Zealand? Ever supported local farmers by buying local eggs and milk? Enjoy other Lakeland products, such as real Cumberland sausage and locally-brewed ale? What about seafood?

We want an Irish Sea full of fish and a thriving Cumbrian fishing and coastal economy, with Cumbrians enjoying the freshest local, responsibly-sourced seafood. Wild Oceans aims to promote the pleasures of cooking and eating fish - as long as it is sourced in a responsible way.

Supporters of the campaign include: Annette Gibbons, Cumbria on a Plate and Pat Russell, Lake District School of Food & Wine, Lucy Cooks, and local chef Nick Martin. 

What should you do?

We want you to start asking the questions: Where is this fish from? How was it caught?

It is difficult to find a perfectly 'ethical' fish and the information out there regarding which fish to eat can be very confusing. You will often find it easier to get local and sustainable fish from your fishmonger than anywhere else, so do try them out as they can at least answer your questions and offer sustainable alternatives to the usual fish suspects. Go in with open mind and don't be afraid to try something new; expanding the range of desirable fish species will help to spread the fishing pressure, give those poor old popular cod a bit of breather and reduce the waste of perfectly yummy but less popular fish which are caught but not landed because of their miserable market value.

Follow my blog!

This is a complex issue where easy and obvious answers are hard to come by. Join me on my journey as I look into seafood in Cumbria, by tuning into my blog at http://cumbriawildoceans.blogspot.com/

For more information about the Wild Oceans campaign please contact Lindsay Sullivan on 01539 816300 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it