Consumer ignorance over endangered fish

The British taste for fish and chips could be driving species to the edge of extinction, according to a new survey that found the majority of people do not even try to make sustainable choices about seafood.

By Louise Gray, Environment Correspondent Published: 12:01AM BST 02 Jun 2009

Fish stocks are down all over the world with some species such as the bluefin tuna now considered to be as endangered as the white rhino and even the British favourite cod in danger of overfishing.
But a survey of more than 2,000 people found 78 per cent do not even try to buy fish from a sustainable source.

However 70 per cent of consumers said they were more likely to make ethical choices when given the facts.
The survey comes as a new film by former Daily Telegraph journalist Charles Clover reveals the threat of over fishing to the oceans. End of the Line , to be released in cimemas on 8th June, claims that seafood will be fished out by 2048 unless more is done to conserve stocks.
But the YouGov poll commissioned by Waitrose found more than half of people are unaware of the warnings fish stocks could be wiped out completely within this century if we continue as we are.
Mark Price, Waitrose Managing Director, said everyone should be asking where their fish comes from.
"The booming human population could wipe out fish stocks within this century if we don't act now. This is an environmental disaster and we it will have a real and tangible impact on us all - as consumers, retailers, chef or fishermen."