ETHICAL SOURCING & RECYCLING POLICY

Cornish fish stands for quality - eat it with confidence and enjoy!

Rob Wing, The Cornish Fishmonger, comments below...

We prefer to use the words "ethical sourcing" rather than "sustainability policy" the latter has had a real bashing in the press over the past few years. To me the word ethical means many things; I could list all the right words and phrases below this paragraph but it would be a boring list of aims and objectives with little or no commitment at the end if it. By confirming to you our aims and objectives and a little history I hope you will feel comfortable about using Wing of St. Mawes the Cornish Fishmerchant for your fresh fish, shellfish and smoked fish.

"I've been buying fish and seafood from local fishermen since the early 1980's, during this time I've seen plenty of changes in the fishing industry, most for the better but some not so good. I have a teenage daughter and son, my ardent wish is to see my efforts passed on to them for the future, that means looking after fish and the fishing industry!"

 

What does that last paragraph mean?...

"It means we are committed to a healthy future for Cornish fish and fishing."  We fully support the responsible fishing schemes operated by the Seafish Industry Authority: this is done by working with fishermen to ensure better working practices are implemented and wherever possible, buying best fish from local inshore boats. It also means not recommending our customers to a species we feel is under pressure in our waters; instead advising and guiding them towards really fresh fish that is readily available in good volumes.

"We do not buy under sized fish from any source and actively try to purchase mature fish. We only buy hand line caught mackerel and sea bass whenever possible and fully support the sustainable sardine fishery carried out in the bay off St. Michael's Mount."  Read more about Cornish hand line mackerel fishing...

"I was part of the industry team that helped deliver Objective 1 monies (an EU funded project exclusive to Cornwall) to the fishing industry over the seven years of the project. During these years Objective 1 funded dozens of worthy projects within all sectors of Cornish fishing. These included the removal of many fishing boats from local fleets, by doing this we successfully began to protect and regenerate fish stocks in our area. Also funded was a fishermen lead bid to create a "no take zone" of some 1500 square miles off the north Cornwall coast. Here no fishing boat (from any EU state) could fish during the spawning season. I am absolutely convinced the reason we have seen large increases in many species is a direct result of operating this closure policy for the past four years; long may it continue."

 

Recycling and energy saving policy

At The Cornish Fishmonger we offer a free bait service to our shellfish fishermen. This recycles over 50% of our fish bones (or frames as we call them!) into bait during the shellfish season. What we can't use is collected and used in the creation of biogas.

We have recently invested in a polystyrene box compactor; this has cut our waste volume going into landfill by over 70%. We are able to recycle the compacted product, along with cardboard and other paper waste.

We work to reduce our carbon footprint wherever possible and operate a policy of minimising waste in all sectors of Wing of St. Mawes.

 

WE ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO A HEALTHY FUTURE FOR CORNISH FISH & FISHING.