The university has vowed to only serve Marine Stewardship Council certified fish and fish found on the Marine Conservation Society’s ‘Fish to Eat’ list, ensuring only environmentally sustainable fish are served across campus. This earned Plymouth the ‘Higher Education’ gold star.
Darren Procter (right), executive head chef at Plymouth University, said: “Our ‘Ocean City’ connections andpledge to the Sustainable Fish Cities scheme reaffirms our commitment to providing the best quality locally and ethically sourced foods, recently recognised by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC). The 15,000+ portions of fish we source a year come from Plymouth markets caught by crews attached to the Responsible Fisherman’s Scheme.”
The National Marine Aquarium is leading the city’s bid to become the first Sustainable Fish City with Food Plymouth. Some of Plymouth’s top eateries, Habourside Fish & Chips, Kingfisher Fish & Chips, The Ship and Rockfish, have made the sustainable pledge to help the campaign.
Dr David Gibson, managing director at the National Marine Aquarium said: “It is fantastic that we’ve secured the second gold star so quickly after the first.
“It’s testament to the organisations of Plymouth who are making pledges and really getting behind the bid to become a Sustainable Fish City. We hope more will follow suit in the coming months making 2015 a great year for Plymouth and sustainable fish sourcing practices.”
The Sustainable Fish Cities campaign aims to change the way consumers buy and eat fish, and encourage local businesses’ and caterers to serve environmentally sustainable fish.