News
Devon fish and chip shop batters the competition for a sustainable fish supper
Leading marine charities applaud Plymouth business as it scoops another seafood award
Plymouth fish and chip shop, Kingfisher Fish and Chips, has won the Good Catch Award at this year’s national Fish and Chip shop of the Year Awards. It is the latest award for Kingfisher, hailed last year as “the best fish and chip shop in the world for sustainable fish.”
It’s doubly good news for the Devon city, with fellow Plymouth chippy and newcomers to the award, Harbourside Fish and Chips, being named runners up, along with Olley’s Fish Experience, from Herne Hill, London, who were also runners up in 2014.
The Good Catch Award is sponsored by the UK’s leading marine charities, The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The award aims to encourage sustainable sourcing in the fish and chip shop industry and helps diners to eat fish from sustainable sources.
The Good Catch Award rewards fish and chip shops that have made a conscious effort to change the way in which they responsibly source and promote their fish and in doing so, help protect the industry for the future.
MCS Fisheries Officer, Samuel Stone, who was on the Good Catch judging panel along with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), says what Kingfisher have managed to achieve on both a local and global stage is the future of fish and chips: “Kingfisher are selling 13 MSC certified fish species and 14 that are green rated on the MCS Fish to Eat list. This shows a massive commitment to sustainability and traceability. Kingfisher are also working hard on promoting the importance of sustainability through a very informative website, social media, instore promotion and local community engagement.”
Presenting the award, George Clark, from the Marine Stewardship Council explained, ““This year’s entries have proven once again how progressive the fish and chip industry is when it comes to good sourcing practices. The very best in the UK have shown that the sky’s the limit when it comes to giving their customers fully traceable and sustainable fish suppers. A huge congratulations to Kingfisher for leading the pack!”
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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