A Message on Fish Supply Issues from the National Federation of Fish Friers

In the last quarter of 2024, the joint Norwegian and Russian Fisheries Commission reduced the Barents Sea cod quota by 25% to 340,000 tonnes for 2025, which is around 33% of what it was just four years ago. This is the fourth year in a row that the quota had been reduced. This step is taken to preserve stocks for the future and is likely to be in place for at least 2 - 3 years. This is the lowest level the quota has been set in 34 years.

Around 75% of all fish and chip servings are sourced from the Barents Sea, so this will have a significant impact on the supply of cod and therefore the wholesale price. The knock-on effect is that as businesses turn to other species, we are likely to see these prices increase too.

This is a serious issue for the fish and chip industry, and I hope you are understanding if you do see any price increases or changes to the menu in the nation's fish and chip shops. We do have some alternative species that may be an option to help minimize the impact on consumers. No business wants to increase their prices but sadly this issue is compounded by increases in other costs and we are about to feel the effect of the Autumn Budget.

Fish and chips still represents great value for money compared to other out of home options. It is also a great nutritional meal, often being the only seafood occasion for many people. We hope you continue to support your local fish and chip business through these challenging times.

The National Federation of Fish Friers is in weekly contact with Government regarding this issue and we will continue to represent the industry to ensure Ministers are fully aware of the challenges we face.

Andrew Crook
President – National Federation of Fish Friers