The Sustainability of Tinned Fish – What You Need to Know
A Tradition That Supports the Future
Centuries ago, preserving fish in salt and oil was a necessity for coastal communities looking to extend their food supply. Today, tinned fish has evolved into a gourmet choice, offering convenience, bold flavour, and, when sourced responsibly, a way to enjoy seafood without harming the environment.
At Peak & The Pantry, we believe that every tin tells a story—one of tradition, craftsmanship, and sustainability. We work with ethical canneries like Sea Sisters UK, ensuring that every tin of sardines, mackerel, or squid we offer is responsibly sourced and packed with care. But what exactly makes tinned fish sustainable? And how can you ensure you're making the best choices for the planet?
What Makes Tinned Fish Sustainable?
Not all tinned fish is created equal. To be considered sustainable, a product should meet these key criteria:
Responsibly Managed Fisheries – The fish is caught from well-managed stocks that are not overfished.
Selective Fishing Methods – Techniques like pole-and-line or hand-harvesting reduce bycatch and protect non-target species.
Seasonal Harvesting – Only catching fish during peak seasons allows stocks to replenish naturally.
Traceability & Transparency – Clear information on where and how the fish was sourced.
Eco-Friendly Processing & Packaging – Minimal waste and recyclable or reusable tin packaging.
Our selection, including Sea Sisters UK Cannery, prioritises these principles to ensure that you can enjoy tinned fish without harming the environment.
The Best Sustainable Tinned Fish Options
If you're looking for the most eco-friendly options, here are some of the best choices:
Sardines & Anchovies – The Ocean’s Superfood
Small fish like sardines and anchovies reproduce quickly, making them a highly sustainable choice. They require minimal fishing effort and are rich in omega-3s.
Shop: Berthe Sardines in Olive Oil
Mackerel – A Fast-Growing Favourite
Fast-growing and abundant, mackerel is another great option for low-impact fishing. Sustainable mackerel is caught using pole-and-line methods.
Shop: Pinhais Mackerel Fillets
Squid & Shellfish – Naturally Sustainable
Many cephalopods like squid and shellfish such as scallops are naturally resilient to fishing pressure, making them a good sustainable seafood choice.
Shop: Pepus Scallops in Galician Sauce
Pole & Line Caught Tuna – A Smarter Choice
Tuna can be overfished, but pole-and-line methods allow for selective fishing while reducing bycatch of other marine species.
Shop: Berthe Tuna Fillet in Olive Oil
How to Identify Sustainable Tinned Fish
When shopping for tinned fish, look for the following indicators:
MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) Certification – Guarantees sustainable sourcing.
Pole & Line Caught – Ensures minimal environmental impact.
Traceable Origins – Labels that tell you where and how the seafood was caught.
Eco-Friendly Packaging – Recyclable tins with no unnecessary plastic.
All of our tinned fish at Peak & The Pantry meets these standards, giving you peace of mind with every bite.
The Benefits of Choosing Sustainable Tinned Fish
By opting for responsibly sourced seafood, you are:
Protecting Marine Ecosystems – Ensuring fish populations remain stable.
Enjoying High-Quality Seafood – Wild-caught, nutrient-rich fish.
Reducing Waste – Tinned fish minimises food waste and has a long shelf life.
Supporting Small-Scale Fisheries – Many of our selections come from family-run canneries using traditional methods.
Final Thought: Small Choices, Big Impact
Every tin of responsibly sourced tinned fish is a step toward a healthier ocean and a better food system. By choosing sustainable tinned fish, you’re supporting ethical fishing and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the bounty of the sea.
