Our Sustainability Mission

Our Sustainability Mission

Our Approach

We begin by selecting suppliers who hold globally recognised certifications, ensuring responsible and verified production practices.

MSC
(Marine Stewardship Council)
for wild-caught fish, ensuring healthy stocks, minimal
environmental impact, and effective fishery management.
ASC
(Aquaculture Stewardship Council)
for farmed fish, covering ecosystem protection,
sustainable feed, waste management, and fair labour.
BAP
(Best Aquaculture Practices)
a full supply chain certification with standards for
environment, welfare, food safety, social responsibility, and traceability.

When Certification Isn't Possible

Some small-scale fisheries can't afford certification but that doesn't mean they're unsustainable. In these cases, we assess:

Fishing or farming methods
Fishing or farming methods
Species health and population levels
Species health and population levels
Local management practices
Local management practices

We also use trusted tools like the Good Fish Guide, which rates seafood on a traffic-light system:

Green– Best choice
Amber– Some concerns
Red– Avoid
When Certification Isn't Possible

In Practice

By combining certifications, independent research, and direct supplier engagement, we aim to offer seafood you can trust*

Certifications First
Start with MSC, ASC, BAP certifications
Deeper Insight
Use the Good Fish Guide for independent data
Supplier Engagement
Ask detailed questions about practices
Individual Review
Assess each fishery or farm on its own merits

What You Need to Know About Farmed and Wild-Caught Fish

When shopping for seafood, one of the most common questions is: Should I choose wild-caught or farm-raised fish? The answer isn’t always simple — it depends on the species, the method, and the source.


At The Fish Society, we believe in transparency and want to give you the facts so you can make informed, sustainable choices. Unlike meat and poultry, fish farming is still a relatively young industry, but it’s evolving fast. Innovative practices like land-based aquaculture and rope-grown mussel farms are showing huge promise for fish welfare, the planet, and people.

What You Need to Know About Farmed and Wild-Caught Fish
Wild-Caught

Wild-Caught

We carefully vet all our suppliers to ensure wild fish come from responsibly managed sources using best practices*

Pros:

Natural Diet & Habitat – Wild fish live in their natural environment, which can mean unique flavor and texture.
Low Intervention – No feed, pens, or artificial systems are required.
Supports Communities – Often sourced from traditional small-scale fisheries.

Concerns:

Overfishing Risks – Anything that is above a 3 in the Good Fish Guide is rejected by us. WE have stopped selling fish such as Eel becauseof this.
Bycatch & Gear Impact – Non-target species, invasive dredging, or ghost nets can damage ecosystems.
Farmed

Farmed

We carefully vet all our suppliers to ensure wild fish come from responsibly managed sources using best practices*

Pros:

Consistent Supply – Helps meet global demand without depleting wild stocks
Controlled Conditions – Health, feed, and environmental impact can be monitored closely.
Better Practices – Many farms now hold certifications like ASC or BAP, ensuring eco-friendly methods.

Concerns:

Environmental Impact – Poorly managed sea-based farms can pollute water or spread disease.
Feed Sources – Some species still rely on wild fish feed, though alternatives are improving.
Fish Welfare – Crowded pens can cause stress if not properly managed.
Diversify Your Diet

By combining certifications, independent research, and direct supplier engagement, we aim to offer seafood you can trust.

<p>At The Fish Society, we have all your favourites champion lesser-known species to give you more sustainable, high-quality choices while protecting marine life for the future*</p>

At The Fish Society, we have all your favourites champion lesser-known species to give you more sustainable, high-quality choices while protecting marine life for the future*

Salmon
Salmon Arctic Char

Similar taste, farmed more sustainably

Tuna
Tuna Mackerel or Albacore

Rich, plentiful options from better-managed stocks.

Lobster
Lobster Crab

Delicious shellfish with a lighter environmental impact.

Cod
Cod Haddock

Tasty, versatile, and more abundant.

Offshore Rope-Grown Mussels

A standout example of sustainable aquaculture — rope-grown mussels are cultivated on suspended ropes in the open ocean, producing delicious shellfish with a remarkably low environmental footprint.

Artificial Reefs
Artificial Reefs

Boost biodiversity and provide habitat for marine life.

Water Quality
Water Quality

Mussels filter and clarify seawater naturally.

Zero Feed Needed
Zero Feed Needed

No feed, treatments, or coastal impact required.

Very Low Carbon Footprint.
Very Low Carbon Footprint.

Considered one of the most environmentally friendly low carbon protein sources available.

Offshore Rope-Grown Mussels

At The Fish Society, we look beyond simple labels. Wild-caught does not always guarantee sustainability, and farmed fish is not inherently harmful. Each fishery and farm is carefully assessed on its own merits to ensure it meets our high standards — protecting the planet, safeguarding marine life, and sustaining the communities who rely on them.

Offshore Rope-Grown Mussels