Fish and chip fans in St John’s, Woking can enjoy their favourite fast food knowing it is sourced sustainably, following the successful Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification of Seafare fish and chips shop.

The news means the restaurant can now use the MSC ‘blue tick’ label on its cod and haddock, assuring customers that the fish sold has been responsibly caught using sustainable methods.

Based in St John’s, Seafare is owned by Jonathan Ayling, who has worked in the fish and chip industry for 17 years. Jonathan was Manager at Seafare when it won the Regional Fish and Chip Shop of the Year award in 2012. Today, it is a family business with Jonathan’s wife, daughter and son numbering among the 14 staff.

Jonathan explains what the news means to the takeaway business, "As an industry we need to be aware of what we sell to our customers. Now that we are MSC certified I can proudly say I know from boat to pan where my fish has come from. I hope this will raise more awareness of sustainability in my local area as well as in the industry.”

George Clark, UK Commercial Manager at the MSC, adds, "Congratulations to Seafare who are doing their bit to protect the future of the oceans by selling MSC certified fish. We hope that their success will encourage other chippies in the area to follow their lead and offer their customers a sustainable choice.”

The business achieved the certification via a joint pilot scheme between MSC and the National Federation of Fish Friers. The online application process is designed to be time-saving and cost-effective, ideal for fish and chip shops looking to take the lead on sustainability in their area.

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.