Three of the UK’s leading fish and chip businesses have been shortlisted as finalists in the Good Catch – The Sustainable Seafood Award category as part of the 2015 National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish.

Frankie’s Fish and Chips - Brae, Shetland

Kingfisher Fish & Chips - Plymouth, Devon

Olley’s Fish Experience - Herne Hill, London

Will now compete against each other in the race to serve up this top accolade. The overall winner will be announced at an awards ceremony at The Lancaster London Hotel on 20 January 2015.

The Good Catch Award recognises fish and chip businesses that are leading the way in the sourcing and promotion of sustainable fish and shellfish, working to protect supplies so they are available for future generations to enjoy. It is co-sponsored by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the international ecolabel and certification programme for sustainable fishing practises, and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), the UK charity dedicated to the protection of our seas, shores and wildlife.

Co-sponsor George Clark, UK Commercial Manager of MSC, commented: "It’s incredible to see the strength in applications for the Good Catch Award improve year on year. It makes judging the overall award a real challenge as the knowledge, understanding and implementation of sustainability practices and processes at these industry leading businesses increases over time.

"The three MSC certified businesses that have made it to the shortlist demonstrate the value of certification and how the industry is responding and adapting to the ever increasing availability of certified sustainable seafood. Huge congratulations to all three businesses.”

Co-sponsor Sam Stone, Fisheries Officer of MCS, commented: "The bar has clearly been raised this year, with three outstanding fish and chip businesses that have really gone that extra mile to source and promote sustainable seafood.

"These shops are not just your average fish and chip shops - they rival some supermarkets with the work they do to support our sustainable fisheries, not to mention providing delicious fish and chips!”

Paul Williams, CEO at Seafish, said: "The Good Catch Award is a staple category in The National Fish & Chip Awards as we look not only to award those businesses with great tasting fish and chips but also those who work hard to source produce that is gathered ethically and sustainably.

"With food provenance driving consumer choice, the question of where and how produce has been sourced has never been more important.

"We want to recognise the individuals within the industry who actively maintain and support sustainable fishing practices so that future generations can enjoy the nation’s favourite takeaway for ever more.”

"The three finalists have gone above and beyond, and should be recognised as the UK leaders for fish sustainability in the fish and chip industry.”

The National Fish & Chip Awards recognise the quality, value and choice offered by fish and chip businesses across the UK.

For further information on The National Fish & Chip Awards please visit www.fishandchipawards.com. Follow @FishnChipAwards on Twitter for all the awards news and information.