Take endangered fish off mayor's menu
26 April 2008
Guests of the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Carol Theobald, may find themselves gorging on endangered fish at a mayoral charity dinner this week.
Green Party councillors have challenged the Mayor to switch to a tasty alternative at the fish and chip fundraiser which takes place this coming Wednesday 30th April.
Green Party sustainability spokesperson on the city council, Councillor Paul Steedman, pictured left enjoying pollack and chips at Wilmington's Traditional Fish and Chips in Patcham, isn't best pleased.
He said: "The Mayor and her guests risk pushing an endangered species to the brink.
"They rightly wouldn't consider eating panda fillets or tiger steak – and they should feel equally horrified at the idea of eating uncertified cod."
The Mayor has confirmed that she plans to serve Atlantic cod from a part of the ocean known as 'FAO area 27' at the supper.
However the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation places cod from these seas in its 'worst' category, describing fish stocks as 'depleted'.*
Numerous alternatives to cod are available, say marine experts.
Leading sustainability charity, the Marine Conservation Society, suggest pollack and whiting as good options on their list of 'Fish to Eat'.
They describe Atlantic cod as a 'Fish to Avoid'.
Fish diners can also avoid threatened fish stocks by selecting fish certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
Paul has asked the Mayor to make the switch and avoid threatened fish stocks.
"It's easy to find delicious alternatives such as pollack that make perfect battered fish," he said. "Just ask for it at your chippy."
"The Mayor has done excellent work in fundraising for local charities this year.
"She shouldn't damage the Mayoral office by using it to place our national dish at risk of extinction."
Next week's dinner designed to raise cash for local charities is one of the Mayor's last major fundraising events before her term of office expires on 15th May.
Notes to editors:
Media: for more information contact Green Party External Communications Officer Lizzie Deane on 07931 231390.1* http://www.fao.org/newsroom/common/ecg/1000505/en/stocks.pdf
2 The Marine Conservation Society, suggest pollack and whiting as good options on their list of 'Fish to Eat', but describe Atlantic cod as a 'Fish to Avoid'.
http://www.fishonline.org/advice/eat/ and http://www.fishonline.org/advice/avoid/
3 http://www.msc.org
4 Pictures are available. Wilmington traditional fish & chips and Chinese and Thai cuisine, is located at 3 Wilmington Parade, Patcham, Brighton.
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