Fish and chip fans in North Devon can enjoy their favourite seafood dishes knowing they are sourced sustainably, following the successful Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification of The Pelican Fish & Chip Restaurant in Barnstaple.

The news means the restaurant is now the first in North Devon to be MSC certified and can now use the MSC ‘blue tick’ label on its cod, haddock, plaice, Greenland prawns and Cornish hake assuring customers that the fish sold has been responsibly caught using sustainable methods.

Recently named one of the top five Independent Fish & Chip Restaurants in the National Fish and Chip Awards 2017 and awarded the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) Quality Award, The Pelican was opened 25 years ago and is run by Martin James and family. Martin and the team pride themselves on using local Devon produce and even sell their own label coffee beans, "Peliccino”, and own label beer brewed just five miles away. Known for their fun promotions, The Pelican runs regular giveaways including a weekly competition, "Quiz n Chips” with local radio station, The Voice.

The Pelican’s menu offers a great range of homemade dishes which use the MSC certified cod, haddock, plaice, Cornish hake and Greenland prawns. Besides the favourite fried fish these dishes include an MSC Thai curry, homemade fish pie and a fish burger made with MSC cod.

Owner, Martin James, explains what the news means, "We’ve wanted to be MSC certified since we became aware of the programme. It’s really important to us that we can eat and sell our fish with a clear conscience and encourage our customers to do the same. We’re really pleased to be able to offer the information needed to make an informed, sustainable choice. It’s good to know that by choosing MSC, we and our customers are helping to protect the marine environment and future generations who will rely on it.”

George Clark, UK Commercial Manager at the MSC, adds, "It’s great to see one of the top chippies in the country, like The Pelican, prioritising sustainability by becoming MSC certified. They understand that sustainability is fast becoming a top consideration for fish lovers. They’re offering a great service to their customers by providing a good menu choice that includes four MSC certified seafood species - which has a really positive impact on the health of the oceans.”

Choosing MSC labelled seafood from fisheries, retailers, brands and restaurants guarantees sustainable, traceable methods and helps protect the life in our oceans for generations to come.