Tyla

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Not now
OK
Advert
Advert
Advert

Cod Could Disappear From British Fish And Chips

Ciara Sheppard

Published 
| Last updated 

Cod Could Disappear From British Fish And Chips

Featured Image Credit: Unsplash

Cod and chips is undoubtedly one of the most iconic dishes on the British menu.

There's nothing like tucking into a bag of vinegary chips and a side of crispy cod after a day at the seaside - but the epic Brit tradition could be nearing its end. Sob.

According to climate change researchers, cod and monkfish could be disappearing from the menu thanks to a warming in sea temperatures.

We could be saying goodbye to cod and chips (Credit: PA)
We could be saying goodbye to cod and chips (Credit: PA)
Advert

The English Channel, Celtic Sea and southern North Sea, where most of our chippy's cod and monkfish come from, is getting considerably warmer meaning the species will be harder to farm.

It's not all bad news, though. Instead, we could be seeing a rise in red mullet, Dover sole and lemon sole on our menus.

There'll also be far more John Dory - a fish often found in warm Mediterranean waters - meaning we may soon be having to adapt to a more sophisticated European palette. Buon appetito!

Red mullet might be replacing cod on the menu! (Credit: Unsplash)
Red mullet might be replacing cod on the menu! (Credit: Unsplash)
Advert

The research was conducted by the Universities of Exeter and Bristol with help from Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aqua-culture Science, as well as the climate experts at the Met Office.

Lead author, Dr Katherine Maltby, commented: "Climate change will continue to affect fish stocks in this sea region."

Dr Maltby and her team suggested it's down to us to stop climate change and keep the Atlantic cod swimming in our waters, while fishery managers need to do better to preserve the fish we do have access to.

Warmer waters mean cod and monkfish are becoming increasingly harder to farm (Credit: Unsplash)
Warmer waters mean cod and monkfish are becoming increasingly harder to farm (Credit: Unsplash)
Advert

The study concluded by saying: "For declining species, fisheries managers may need to consider options that can reduce the vulnerability of stocks to warming temperatures, such as reducing fishing mortality rates or imposing stricter catch limits.

"For species not currently regulated, as a first step, species may need to be closely monitored for increasing fishing pressure, with future regulations or measures such as quotas potentially necessary.

"Fishers 'on‐the‐ground' experiences should be incorporated with scientific information to inform future management decisions to enable sustainable exploitation while supporting fishers' adaptation to changes in species' relative abundance."

Long live cod and chips!

Topics: Tasty Food, Food And Drink

Ciara Sheppard
More like this
Advert
Advert
Advert

Chosen for YouChosen for You

Entertainment

Rihanna shares plans for baby number three with A$AP Rocky

13 hours ago

Most Read StoriesMost Read

Rebel Wilson opens up on losing her virginity at age 35 as she says others 'shouldn’t feel pressured'

20 hours ago