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National fishing month with The Bay
August was National Fishing month. Here at The Bay we’ve always spoken openly, proudly and honestly about our sustainability pledge and our commitment to sourcing local and sustainable produce, that includes our fish.
To celebrate this special month, we spoke to The Bay owner and manager, Calum, about a subject close to the hearts of everyone at The Bay, sustainable fishing.
Here’s everything Calum had to say.
Q: It’s clear that you’re passionate about sustainability. Where does this passion come from?
A: My passion for sustainability has definitely evolved over the years. From loving my job and loving seafood it just naturally became something that I cared about, as they’re both such big parts of my life. I wanted both to have a future – we must be serious about how we go about catching the fish and looking after it.
It’s great that there’s now a National fishing month for us to be able to spread the word about sustainable fishing and get people involved with the fight to protect and save our planet.
Q: Can you describe the process of sourcing your ingredients and how this is done sustainably at The Bay?
A: We made sure that we sourced a supplier that holds the same beliefs and passions surrounding sustainable fishing as us. It’s also important to share the same ethos as your supplier. We have given our supplier a written letter of our guidelines that they must adhere to. This includes everything from what fish we buy to how it’s transported.
Q: How do you ensure that your suppliers are sustainable?
A: Our supplier – Coupers – have gone through the same MSC certification, ensuring total traceability from sea to plate. We also visit them regularly, which is great because you get to see it all live in action.
Q: Is there anything that you do in store to remain sustainable and eco-friendly on a daily basis?
A: We make sure all of our fish is coming from healthy, in-season stock. We buy what we need and only when we need it, so no fish ever goes to waste. It’s easy to be sustainable and eco-friendly when you have set rules and procedures in place like this.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add about the process of sea to plate at The Bay and how you make sure this is done sustainably?
A: We look at absolutely everything, from the energy coming into the shop to the energy going out of the shop. We don’t just look at the products we buy, we look at where they come from, harvesting and the welfare of the staff.
In order to remain as sustainable as possible you have to stay on top of it all, which you really don’t mind doing because you know you’re providing great food with the smallest possible impact to the environment. It feels good when you sit back and think about it.
Q: Can you give a description of your reusable products and why they were important for you to launch?
Reusable products, like mugs and bottles are great because it closes the loophole on waste and also puts out brand awareness.
I didn’t want my staff to use single plastic bottles, so I created The Bay’s reusable bottles for everyone to keep at work.
Check out The Bay’s reusable range, here.
Q: What does National fishing month mean to you?
A: National fishing month means a lot to me, it shows that we’re able to recognise the importance of sustainable fishing and we have a whole month dedicated to it.
But, it must be something we’re constantly working on and thinking about. Once this month is finished, we’ll still be doing everything at The Bay to remain sustainable, and so should everyone else.
Q: What’s the most important part about being sustainable to you at The Bay and why?
A: Simply put, it’s the right thing to do if we want to have a future and enjoy guilt-free fish and chips.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I truly believe that with the way the world is going, it will be the fisherman that become extinct rather than the fish themselves ?
The Bay’s dedication to sustainability and in particular sustainable fishing is truly inspiring. Celebrate National fishing month with The Bay and enjoy some guilt-free fish and chips. Great food that doesn’t cost the planet.
Find out more about The Bay’s sustainability pledge and produce, here.
Visit The Bay or order online.
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