We’ve all been there. You’re standing at the fish counter, or browsing a menu, and your eyes automatically drift to the usual suspects: Salmon, Cod, Haddock, Tuna, or Prawns. The Marine Conservation Society calls these the ‘Big Five’ fish species, and they make up the vast majority of the fish we eat.
But did you know that sticking to the same old five choices is putting a massive strain on our marine life?
We recently caught up with Sarah, the co-programme manager for The Living Coast, to chat about the incredible, diverse, and downright delicious marine life right here on our doorstep. What makes our coastline so special is its global status – it is a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere. In fact, we are home to the only urban biosphere in the entire UK! This international badge of honor recognizes our region as a world-class environment where people and nature successfully thrive together.
Our Secret Sussex Seafood Bounty
The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere stretches all the way from Worthing in the west over to Seaford in the east, reaching up into the South Downs National Park and out into our precious marine environment.
Because we live alongside such a uniquely protected marine zone, our local fishing economy relies heavily on its health. Instead of reaching for imported cod or farmed salmon, Sarah challenges us to diversify our plates. Next time you’re dining out or cooking at home, why not look for incredible local catches like:
- Fresh Sussex Crab & Lobster
- Local Squid & Plaice
- Sea Bass, Black Bream, Skates, and Rays
Not only are these options bursting with flavour, but choosing them actively supports our local, sustainable inshore Sussex fishing fleet. It’s fresher, it travels fewer miles, and it tastes better.
Two Simple Steps to Becoming a Savvy Seafood Lover
You don’t need to be a marine biologist to make a difference in our Biosphere. Sarah shares two incredibly easy ways to upgrade your fish game:
- Download the Good Fish Guide: Created by the Marine Conservation Society, this handy (and free!) app is updated twice a year. Just type in the fish you’re looking at, and it will give you a simple green or red light on whether it’s a sustainable choice right now.
- Ask the Experts: When you’re at a local fishmonger or dining out, start a conversation! Ask, “What’s the catch of the day, and where did it come from?” Our local fish wholesalers and chefs love sharing the stories behind local seafood.
Ready to dive in?
Supporting sustainable seafood doesn’t mean eating less – it means eating better.
If you want to taste the very best of what our coast has to offer, cooked by chefs who know exactly where their catch comes from, check out our lovely list of seafood restaurants in Brighton and Sussex and discover your new favourite local dish tonight.