U.K. Government fish buying standards have been described as “wholly unacceptable” by chef and writer Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, following the announcement of new sustainability rules for food served in Whitehall, government agencies and the armed forces. Overfishing threatens to accelerate the already devastating 94% drop in British fish stocks over the past century, a concern that should be a top priority for the self-proclaimed "greenest government yet".  By committing to purchasing only 100% sustainably sourced seafood - as opposed to the current 60% target, which only applies to one third of fish bought - the UK central government will provide critical leadership for worldwide sustainable seafood policies.

If the current fish buying proposals oulined by the Department for the Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) stand, only one in every 5 fish bought by UK public sector institutions will be sustainably sourced. Given the concerning decline of world fish stocks and devestated marine ecosystems, and growing concern among the public, that proposal doesn't nearly approach an adequate handling of the dire situation.

Already the Sustainable Fish City initiative has received commitments from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic, National Trust, five top London universities, Transport for London, the Greater London Authority, hospitals, restaurant chains, caterers and the London police, to adopt sustainable seafood policies that far outreach goals currently outlined for the central Government. The time has come for Whitehall to live up to its greenest claims.

The 2012 Olympic Games will serve as a powerful spotlight for importance of choosing sustainable seafood, which is why we need London to bring home the gold by instituting a city-wide sustainable conversion.

Tell DEFRA to take immediate action to improve the seafood sustainability procurement standards for central Government and the public sector, to demonstrate leadership to all catering professionals and fish-buying organizations.

Photo credit: Gary Knight