The British taste for fish and chips could be driving species to the edge of extinction, according to a new survey that found the majority of people do not even try to make sustainable choices about seafood.

Bluefin tuna fishBy Louise Gray, Environment Correspondent
Fish stocks are down all over the world with some species such as the bluefin tuna now considered to be as endangered as the white rhino and even the British favourite cod in danger of overfishing. But a survey of more than 2,000 people found 78 per cent do not even try to buy fish from a sustainable source. However 70 per cent of consumers said they were more likely to make ethical choices when given the facts. The survey comes as a new film by former Daily Telegraph journalist Charles Clover reveals the threat of over fishing to the oceans. End of the Line, to be released in cinemas on 8th June, claims that seafood will be fished out by 2048 unless more is done to conserve stocks. But the YouGov poll commissioned by Waitrose found more than half of people are unaware of the warnings fish stocks could be wiped out completely within this century if we continue as we are. …

Consumer ignorance over endangered fish