Brighton and Hove's Mayor pushes endangered fish to brink
22 August 2006
Guests of the Tory Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Garry Peltzer Dunn, may find themselves gorging on endangered fish at a charity dinner next month.The Mayor’s Office has so far failed to assure Green councillors that, unlike the previous Mayor, he will avoid serving up threatened fish stocks – specifically Atlantic Cod - at his forthcoming Fish and Chip supper. (1)
Green Party sustainability spokesperson, Councillor Paul Steedman, has challenged the Mayor to ensure he and his guests are served sustainably sourced fish.
Cllr Steedman (left) said: “The previous Mayor served Atlantic cod from a part of the ocean known to have depleted fish stocks. ‘FAO area 27’ is described by the UN as in the ‘worst’ category for this problem. (2)
“I hope the new Mayor won’t make the same mistake. Saying no to serving up endangered species at the Fish and Chip supper would show the Mayor understood the importance of sourcing food sustainably.
“Unless we take action to regenerate fish stocks, thousands of jobs in the fishing industry and so the very future of coastal communities - such as Brighton & Hove - will be at risk.
“The Mayor and his guests risk pushing an endangered species to the brink. They rightly wouldn’t even consider eating panda fillets or tiger steak – and they should feel equally horrified at the idea of eating uncertified cod.
“I would urge the Mayor to choose one of the many non-endangered alternatives available - leading sustainability charity, the Marine Conservation Society, suggest pollack and whiting as good options on their list of ‘Fish to Eat.’ (3)
“The Fish and Chip supper is a great event, and should raise money for many worthwhile causes. But the Mayor must ensure the fundraiser doesn’t damage global fish supplies or threaten coastal communities.”
Notes to editors:
Media: for more information please contact Lizzie Deane Green Party External Communications Coordinator on 07931 231390.Photos of Cllr Paul Steedman enjoying sustainably sourced Pollack from Wilmington traditional fish & chips and Chinese and Thai cuisine, located at 3 Wilmington Parade, Patcham, Brighton, are available.
(1) The event is set to take place on September 10th. Cllr Paul Steedman wrote to the Mayor on the 30th July asking for information on the sourcing of fish to be served at the event, but has so far had no reply.
(2) http://www.fao.org/newsroom/common/ecg/1000505/en/stocks.pdf
(3) Please see: http://www.fishonline.org/advice/eat/
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