A stark warning has been issued to Brits to steer clear of the beloved fish in the UK as the population of this marine species is facing a critical decline.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has raised concerns over the dwindling numbers of British cod despite recommendations for a zero-catch, urging consumers to refrain from purchasing UK-caught fish from supermarkets.
The MCS has emphasized the need to “completely avoid” UK-caught cod in their Good Fish Guide, which aims to guide individuals and businesses towards more sustainable seafood options.
With the lowest rating from the organization, UK-caught cod is discouraged, with European hake suggested as a more sustainable alternative for white fish.
British consumers have a strong preference for cod and haddock, which are more popular in the UK than in any other country, according to UK Fisheries.
The majority of fish sold in fish and chip shops in the UK comes from international waters, specifically the Icelandic, Norwegian, and Barents seas, rather than from domestic sources.
Despite a recommendation for a zero-catch policy by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) in the North Sea and adjacent waters in 2026, the decline in cod population continues, as reported by Oceana UK in 2025.
Factors contributing to the decline in cod populations include overfishing and rapid climate changes, with overfishing identified as the primary factor impacting the species.
The changing sea temperatures have significantly altered the cod ecosystem, leading to low survival rates for juvenile cod and challenges in reproduction for adults, especially to meet commercial demands. Kerry Lyne, the Good Fish Guide Manager at the MCS, has highlighted the need to source the fish from more distant locations.
In response to the findings, Kerry Lyne emphasized, “The concern is not that fish and chips will disappear, but that sourcing must extend to more remote locations.”
The MCS recommends that Icelandic cod, caught using longline or gillnet methods, is the best sustainable alternative for consumers seeking to make responsible choices.
Another viable alternative is UK haddock, depending on the origin of the catch, with the North Sea and the West of Scotland identified as favorable sources.
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