Squid and chips? How UK's warming waters could change which fish we eat
British waters are in the grip of a marine heatwave, which has seen record average temperatures over the first seven months of the year, according to analysis of Met Office data carried out by the BBC.
An intense heatwave in May elevated UK waters by up to 4C, and the broader effects of the global climate crisis indicate that such warming is likely to continue.
Experts told The Independent that the warming seas are bringing an abundance of new species to British waters, including jellyfish, spider crabs, sardines, anchovies, bluefin tuna and an unexpected influx of octopus.
Meanwhile, numbers of brown crabs are down, and traditionally-fished species like cod and haddock are in short supply as they move further north to cooler waters.
Mike Roach, deputy chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations (NFFO) told The Independent climate change means "our seas are changing".
"We do have a species distribution shift, we're seeing bluefin tuna in increasing numbers, and we have an octopus bloom which we're seeing on the south coast as well. These are all potentially linked to climate change and warming seas.
"For our industry it brings opportunities and challenges. Bluefin tuna is an absolute opportunity. It's well-controlled and regulated, the fishermen have been involved in the scientific data collection and management proposals. The octopus are also providing a great opportunity. It's allowed the fishermen to offset some of their economic losses from the crab populations going down. This is a climate-driven effect."
So is the UK's national dish of fish and chips in danger as warmer waters chase cod away?
Professor John Pinnegar, the lead adviser on climate change at Cefas, the government's marine and freshwater science agency, told The Independent: "most people don't realise that nearly all of the cod and haddock we eat in Britain is imported. It has been really since the 1930s. That's going to continue to be the case. A lot of the fish we catch around the UK, like mackerel and langoustines, are exported to countries further south."
He added: "So we import the things we like to eat from countries further north, and we export what we catch to countries further south."
However, the decline of cod around our shores means that despite being able to import them to keep fish and chip shop menus looking familiar, what British fishers are actually landing is changing.
"We're generally seeing a lot more cephalopods – cuttlefish, octopus and squid – than has been the case in the past," Professor Pinnegar said. "So all around the UK, particularly in the North Sea, fisheries are starting to target them more than they used to.
"Some of our traditional target species, like cod and haddock have been restricted, so lots of fishers are fishing for squid."
Squid and chips doesn't have quite the same ring to it, but experts warn that tastes in Britain are too limited to traditional fish species.
"The British public are hooked on the top five (cod, haddock, salmon, tuna and prawns), and we land more than 50 different species in the UK," said Mr Roach. "If we were eating a diversity of species that are seasonal and caught in UK waters, then that would offset these regime shifts we're seeing."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Frozen remains of Brit adventurer, 25, lost in Antarctic are finally found after he vanished nearly 60 years ago
'He's come home now,' Dennis' 86-year-old brother said HERO FINALLY HOME Frozen remains of Brit adventurer, 25, lost in Antarctic are finally found after he vanished nearly 60 years ago Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE remains of a Brit researcher who died in Antarctica have been discovered nearly six decades after a tragic accident. Dennis 'Tink' Bell, at the time 25, fell into a crevasse during an Antarctic mission - leaving his devastated family unable to repatriate his body. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Dennis Bell, known as 'Tink', lost his life on July 26, 1959 while working for what would later become the British Antarctic Survey Credit: British Antarctic Monument Trust 6 Dennis Bell (left) died on an expedition while he was with his pal Jeff Stokes (right) - Jeff died five weeks before hearing that Dennis' remains were found Credit: British Antarctic Monument Trust 6 Handout photo issued by British Antarctic Survey shows in 1959 the Admiralty Bay Base on King George Island, where Dennis worked Credit: PA Dennis's body was never recovered until January 29 - when a team of Polish researchers from the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station stumbled upon bones later confirmed to be his. His brother, David Bell, told the BBC: "I had long given up on finding my brother. It is just remarkable, astonishing. I can't get over it." Born in 1934, Dennis worked with the RAF and trained as a meteorologist before joining the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey - later renamed the British Antarctic Survey. In 1958, he began a two-year posting at the UK base in Admiralty Bay, Antarctica. His main role was to send up weather balloons and radio the data back to the UK every three hours - work that meant firing up a generator in brutal sub-zero conditions. The base sat on King George Island - around 75 miles off the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. Archivist Ieuan Hopkins from the British Antarctic Survey unearthed detailed reports describing work on the "ridiculously isolated" island. One report described Dennis as "cheerful and industrious, with a mischievous sense of humour and fondness for practical jokes". He was said to have loved the husky dogs that pulled sledges around the island and was known as the hut's best cook - often managing the food store through the long winter when no supplies could get in. The fatal accident happened just weeks after his 25th birthday, while Dennis was surveying King George Island to help map the terrain. Lost 300-Year-Old Pirate Ship With £101M Treasure Discovered Off Madagascar On July 26 1959 - deep in the Antarctic winter - Dennis and his colleague and pal Jeff Stokes had climbed and surveyed a glacier. Dennis was encouraging the weary dogs but wasn't wearing his skis when he suddenly vanished into a crevasse, according to British Antarctic Survey accounts. Jeff shouted down to him and Dennis was able to call back, grabbing hold of a rope lowered in a rescue attempt. The dogs pulled at the rope, hauling Dennis - who had attached it to his belt - up towards the edge of the hole. 6 Handout photo issued by British Antarctic Survey shows Dennis Bell (left) with his colleagues and the dogs that helped them work in Antarctica in 1959 Credit: PA 6 Dennis Bell (left) had a 'mischievous sense of humour', as seen by the picture in which he is re-enacting an advert on the snow Credit: British Antarctic Monument Trust But tragically, the belt broke and Dennis fell back into the crevasse. When Jeff called out again, Dennis didn't reply. David Bell recalled how, in July 1959, a telegram boy knocked on the door of the Bells' family home in Harrow, London to deliver the devastating news of Dennis' death. He said two men from Dennis's base later visited the family and brought a sheepskin as a gesture of sympathy. "But there was no conclusion. There was no service; there was no anything. Just Dennis gone," David says. David described feeling overwhelmed by the news and expressed his gratitude to the Polish researchers who found his remains. "I'm just sad my parents never got to see this day," he said. David, who lives in Australia, plans to visit England with his sister Valerie so they can lay their beloved brother to rest. "It's wonderful; I'm going to meet my brother. You might say we shouldn't be thrilled, but we are," David said. "He's been found - he's come home now." Professor Dame Jane Francis, Director of the British Antarctic Survey, paid tribute to Dennis: "Dennis was one of the many brave personnel who contributed to the early science and exploration of Antarctica under extraordinarily harsh conditions. "Even though he was lost in 1959, his memory lived on among colleagues and in the legacy of polar research." Since 1944, 29 people have died working in the British Antarctic Territory on scientific missions, according to the British Antarctic Monument Trust. Among them were Alan Sharman and Russell Thompson, who also died in 1959.
The Independent
4 hours ago
- The Independent
Why Niger is investigating the $5 million sale of the largest Mars rock found on Earth
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice It's the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth — a 54-pound (25-kilogram) meteorite that fetched more than $5 million at a New York auction last month, setting a world record. But in the West African nation of Niger, where the rusty-red rock was unearthed in the Sahara Desert, officials have launched an investigation into what they call possible 'illicit international trafficking,' claiming it may have been smuggled out of the country. Here's what to know about the meteorite and the legal dispute: How it was found Sotheby's said the rock, named NWA 16788, was blown off the surface of Mars by a massive asteroid strike and traveled 140 million miles (225 million kilometers) to Earth. It was discovered in the Sahara in northwestern Niger by a meteorite hunter in November 2023, according to the auction house. His identity was not disclosed. Nor was the identity of the buyer last month. Meteorite hunting is growing in arid Saharan countries like Niger. Though meteorites can fall anywhere on Earth, the Sahara has become a prime spot for their discovery in part due to the favorable climate for their preservation. Hunters often search for space rocks that can be sold to collectors or scientists. The rarest and most precious are from Mars and the moon. According to the Heritage academic journal, the rock was sold to an international dealer before it ended up in a private galley in Italy. A team of scientists from the University of Florence examined the rock last year to learn more about its structure and where it came from before falling to Earth, the publication said. The meteorite was also briefly on display in Rome before it was next seen in public in New York last month during the auction. Why Niger is investigating Following the sale, Niger raised questions about how the meteorite came to be sold at auction. Niger's government announced an investigation last month to determine the circumstances of the meteorite's discovery and sale, saying in a statement it was 'akin to illicit international trafficking.' Last week, President Abdourahamane Tiani suspended the export of 'precious stones, semi-precious stones and meteorites nationwide' in an effort to ensure their traceability. Sotheby's said in a statement sent to The Associated Press the meteorite was exported from Niger and transported in line with all relevant international procedures. 'As with everything we sell, all necessary documentation was in order at each stage of its journey, in accordance with best practice and the requirements of the countries involved." the statement read. Authorities in Niger did not respond to AP questions. What international law says While global agreements are in place to regulate the trade of cultural artifacts, there is ambiguity about whether meteorites are covered. Patty Gerstenblith, a cultural heritage lawyer and expert on illicit trade, said that under the UNESCO convention on cultural property — which Niger and the U.S. have ratified — meteorites can qualify as cultural property. However, Gerstenblith said Niger needs to prove it owned the meteorite and that it was stolen, as illegal export from the country does not make the meteorite illegal in the U.S. 'If the meteorite was not stolen and if it was properly declared upon import into the U.S., then it would not seem that Niger can recover the meteorite,' she told the AP. Some countries, like Morocco, one of the leading sources of meteorites on the international market, require restitution if the objects are discovered on their territory. But enforcement has been challenging due to the vast desert areas and informal trading networks.
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Most popular meteor shower of the YEAR peaks tomorrow with up to 150 fireballs shooting overhead every hour - here's the best time to catch the stunning celestial display
If you're a keen stargazer, be sure to keep your eyes on the sky tomorrow night. On Tuesday evening, the Perseid Meteor Shower will reach its dazzling peak - and you won't want to miss it. At the height of the yearly display, you'll be able to spot as many as 150 fireballs shooting overhead every hour. And with the Met Office currently forecasting clear skies over most of England and Wales, this could be one of the year's best opportunities to see some shooting stars. However, the remaining light from the recent full Sturgeon Moon might make it hard to spot some of the fainter meteors. But if you don't manage to spot any fireballs this Tuesday, there's no need to worry. Although they will be at their most stunning tomorrow night, you'll still be able to catch the Perseids until August 24. So, here's the best time to catch the spectacular celestial display. How to see the Perseid Meteor Shower If you want to get the best chance of seeing the Perseid Meteor Shower, the most important thing will be avoiding any unnecessary sources of light. Since it is summertime, that means you'll need to wait until at least 10:00 pm for the sky to be dark enough. Meteor showers tend to become more impressive towards midnight when the sky is darkest, so be prepared for a late night if you want the best view. Dr Edward Bloomer, senior astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, told Daily Mail: 'Try and get somewhere dark, and crucially let your eyes adjust to the dark. 'It's a physical process, so it will take a while. Basically, put your phone away, relax, and be a little patient.' Dr Bloomer recommends taking at least half an hour to allow your eyes to reach maximum sensitivity. Once your eyes have adapted to the dark, all you need to do is sit back and look at the sky. WHERE DO METEORS COME FROM? Meteors come from leftover comet particles and bits from broken asteroids. When comets come around the sun, they leave a dusty trail behind them. Every year, Earth passes through these debris trails, letting the bits collide with our atmosphere and disintegrate, creating fiery streaks in the sky. Source: NASA Although they can peak at 150 shooting stars per hour, the Perseids may come in fits and starts, so don't be put off if you go a few minutes without seeing anything. 'The meteor shower will appear to 'radiate' from the constellation Perseus, so that's your best bet,' says Dr Bloomer. You can find Perseus in the Northeast, near the constellation Cassiopeia, which you should be able to recognise by the bright 'W' or 'M' of stars. Dr Bloomer adds: 'If that part of the sky is obscured, don't worry; the shooting stars can appear in any part of the sky.' You can also try looking at other regions of the sky to catch the shooting stars in your peripheral vision, which tends to be a little more light sensitive. The good news for any budding astronomers is that you won't need any special equipment to see the Perseid Meteor Shower. Dr Shyam Balaji, of King's College London, told Daily Mail: 'It is one of the fastest and brightest meteor showers of the year, so an astronomical highlight for stargazers. 'For me personally, I think the best way to view the meteor shower is just with your naked eye because of the speed with which they move. 'But you could use Sky Guide or Stellarium, or other stargazing apps, to get a better viewing experience, to target the right regions of the sky to see the meteor shower.' To make things even better, the Met Office is currently forecasting good conditions for much of the UK. Tom Morgan, operational meteorologist at the Met Office, told Daily Mail: 'Tonight will see quite a lot of cloud over the country, but southern England may turn clearer during the early hours. 'Tomorrow night will generally see clearer skies than tonight with Wales, central England and northern England having the most prolonged clear periods during the evening but some clear periods likely in many parts of the UK at times and into the early hours of Wednesday morning. What is the Perseid Meteor Shower? Like all annual meteor showers, the Perseids are caused by the Earth sweeping through a cloud of orbiting dust. 'The Perseid meteor shower is caused by the Earth travelling through the debris left by a comet called Swift-Tuttle,' says Dr Balaji. Since this patch of dust is always in the same place within Earth's orbit, the Perseids always occur at the same time of year and appear from the same point in the sky. As the Earth moves through the debris cloud, tiny pieces of rock and dust hit the atmosphere at 37 miles (59 kilometres) per second. The intense heat produced by the friction of that impact burns up the meteors in seconds. The smallest pieces of rock vaporise to leave bright trails that we see as shooting stars, while the larger chunks explode into fireballs. Although we don't know exactly when the Perseids started, the first sightings date back nearly 2,000 years to early records from ancient China. WHY DO METEORS MAKE A SOUND? Meteors are fragments of space rock that enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up as a result of the friction created when they pass through, appearing as bright streaks of light in the sky. As well as light, this friction also creates sound, with some meteors creating a 'sonic boom' as they break the sound barrier, in a similar way to a fast-moving aircraft. Since meteors can be over a hundred kilometres in altitude, and their sound waves travel much slower than the light they generate, the sonic boom is often not heard until many minutes after the flash is seen. The boom will also only be loud enough to hear from Earth if the meteor is particularly large, enters the stratosphere below an altitude of about 30 miles (50 km) and explodes as a bolide, or fireball. As well as the boom, some stargazers claim to have heard hissing and buzzing sounds at the same time as a meteor is seen. This is because meteors also give off very low frequency radio waves, which travel at the speed of light. These are inaudible, but can cause physical objects on the Earth's surface to vibrate and produce a sound, which our ears may interpret as hissing.
