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New fish finger guide reveals that some brands are more sustainable than fresh fish

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NAUI

Marine Conservation Society found 85% of fish in the fingers it investigated came from green rated ‘Best Choice’ fish 

The UK’s leading marine charity, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), says the sustainability of the nation’s favourite entry level fish product – the fish finger – isn’t as bad as may be imagined. The majority of fish in 48 retail own-brand and branded fingers it investigated came from sustainable green rated ‘Best Choice’ sources when the charity’s Good Fish Guide ratings were applied to the fish ingredient*.  

Unlike unprocessed seafood – fish that isn’t canned, mixed or breaded – there is no legal requirement for brands and retailers to put details of the origins of the fish used in processed seafood on the pack.  

MCS hopes that its new Good Fish Finger Guide – www.mcsuk.org/responsible-seafood/fish-finger-guidewill raise awareness of the origins and sustainability of fish fingers and better engage consumers to follow its wider seafood advice.  

In the Good Fish Finger Guide, 85% of the fish in the 48 retailer own-brand and branded fingers investigated were found to come from sustainable sources.  But, despite that, the lack of clear labelling means it is difficult for consumers to know, at a glance, where the fish in their fingers actually comes from.  

MCS Sustainable Seafood Advocate, Rajina Gurung, who compiled the guide, says that in the absence of a credible ecolabel like the Marine Stewardship Council tick on the pack, it’s hard for consumers to make informed choices:

Consumers may not be aware that the majority of fish in retail own brand and branded fish fingers actually comes from sustainable sources. Some saver brands even turned out to be the most sustainable, showing that you do not have to pay a fortune for sustainability. The 48 fish fingers we investigated contained just four different species – Atlantic cod, Pacific cod, Alaska pollock and haddock – which might come as quite a surprise to many consumers who see fish fingers as a mix of unspecified species in breadcrumbs even barely fish at all!  

MCS says that 23% of the fish fingers it looked at lacked any kind of ecolabel, sustainability information or enough detail about how and where the fish were caught, and 40% didn’t have a credible ecolabel. Just 19% of fish finger packs were found to have enough detailed information on the pack for consumers to know how and where the fish was caught.  

MCS targeted the major retailer own brand and branded fish fingers and did an online and in-store review of the fish fingers that were availableRajina Gurung says: “By and large most of the supermarkets and brands we were in contact with were forthcoming with providing the information regarding the origins of the fish within their fish fingers. We’re now considering focusing on other processed products that are available through retail or food service outlets.”  

Top 13 Best Choice Green Rated (using the MCS Good Fish Guide) fish fingers (Rated 1)  

  • Asda smart price fish fingers 

  • Asda omega-3 fish fingers 

  • Co-op omega-3 fish fingers 

  • Iceland breaded fish fingers 

  • Marks & Spencer gluten free cod fish fingers 

  • Morrisons omega-3 fish fingers 

  • Morrisons savers fish fingers 

  • Sainsbury’s cod fillet fish fingers 

  • Sainsbury’s “deliciously free from” cod fish fingers 

  • Tesco omega-3 fish fingers 

  • Waitrose essential cod fish fingers 

  • Waitrose essential chunky cod fillet fingers in breadcrumbs 

  • Young’s omega-3 fish fingers 

MCS sustainable seafood work is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

For more information about the Marine Conservation Society please visit their website by clicking here.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

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Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

regulator

Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

regulator

The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

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