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Keeping it reel: How Harbour Lights does sustainable fishing

Here at Harbour Lights, we love fish. We love the sea. And we love serving up the best freshest fish and chips in Penzance and Helston – with a clear conscience.

But with all the talk these days about “sustainability” and “eco-friendly” this or that, I can be hard to know what it actually means. So, let’s dive in (pun intended!) and talk about what sustainable fishing really is – and how we make sure your fish supper is as kind to the ocean as it is tasty.

What is sustainable fishing?

In simple terms, sustainable fishing means catching fish in a way that keeps the oceans healthy — now and for generations to come.

We take our lead from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the global experts in sustainable seafood. They’re the folks behind that little blue fish label you sometimes see on fish products. If you spot it, it means your fish comes from a well-managed, responsibly run fishery. 

The MSC looks at three main things when deciding whether a fishery is doing things right: 

  • Healthy fish stocks – We only catch what nature can replace. No overfishing, no empty oceans. 
  • Protecting marine life – Fishing methods shouldn’t harm other sea creatures or delicate habitats. 
  • Good management – Fisheries must follow the rules, keep records, and be ready to adapt when the seas change (as they often do!). 

 

That blue tick isn’t just a logo – it’s a promise. 

What do we do at Harbour Lights?

All our fish is responsibly sourced, utilising the skills of the Marine Stewardship Council and the Cornish Good Seafood Guide to help us in our selection.

We choose MSC certified fish wherever possible. Our cod, haddock, coley, pollock and hake all come from MSC-approved fisheries. That means they’re responsibly caught and traceable all the way back to the source. 

We skip the dodgy stuff

If a fish isn’t being caught sustainably, we simply don’t serve it – even if it’s popular.

We keep it local

We source as close to home as we can – often from just down the road, Newlyn! Local fish means fewer food miles, fresher plates, and support for nearby fishermen.

We run a green ship

We use biodegradable packaging wherever possible and recycle everything we can.

Oh, and did we mention? Harbour Lights is officially a Plastic-Free Champion, recognised by Falmouth Marine Conservation. 

We keep it honest

If certain fish stocks are struggling, we take them off the menu – and we tell you why. Transparency is key to real sustainability, even if it means disappointing a few cod-lovers now and then!

The challenges

(because it's not always smooth sailing)

Sometimes, getting sustainable fish can be tricky. Supplies can run low, prices can rise, and not every fishery is perfect. But we believe that doing the right thing is worth it – and our customers agree.

We source other delicious fish – all part of the cod family – to help with the overfishing of cod.

Read about Coley 

Read about Hoki

We’re always learning, listening, and adapting. The sea changes all the time and so must we.

How you can help

  • Look out for the MSC blue tick
  • Ask where your seafood comes from
  • Try new species instead of sticking to the same few
  • Support local and sustainable businesses
  • Cut down on waste
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