Warmer Seas Too Hot For Haddock

A study suggests that warmer seas “will change British diet” and will push traditional fish favourites off the British menu.

12:42 14 April 2015

Scientists who have recently conducted a study suggest that the British diet, which typically contains traditional fish favourites will change due to warmer seas. They said that fish such as haddock, plaice, and lemon sole will decline as the North Sea warms by a predicted 1.8 degrees over 50 years. 

 

Because of this, the classic fish and chips enjoyed by previous generations could be replaced by the likes of sardines and squid. 

 

Marine biologist at Exeter University, Stephen Simpson, said: "The flat fish are really in trouble.” 

 

"Unless they can change their habitat and diet in the next 20 or 30 years, or adapt to 2 degrees more warming - which is a big ask - then they will decline."

 

However, he added that John Dory, red mullet, gurnard, sardines, anchovies, cuttlefish and squid would all become more common in the North Sea. 

 

Dr Peter Richardson of the Marine Conservation Society said the study confirmed "that we have to be much smarter and more precautionary in the way we manage our fish stocks".

 

"We cannot continue to be so cavalier with such a valuable resource and expect it to be resilient to the impacts of climate change."