Sardine
Sardina pilchardus
Also known as: European pilchard, pilchard
Overview
Sardine (also known as pilchard) sustainability varies. Check the label for where they were caught. The Best Choice is Marine Stewardship Council certified from the southwest UK (Celtic seas and English Channel). Sardines from Northwest Africa are either Fish to Avoid or Need Improvements, and a large proportion of the sardines sold in supermarkets come from these areas, so it’s especially important to check the label. Sardines are widely sold in UK supermarkets in tins or jars and are sometimes available fresh from fishmongers or on restaurant menus.
Ratings
Showing 8 results for Sardine
Best Choice
Best Choice
This seafood has been sustainably caught or responsibly farmed.
Wild-caught
Location: Southern Celtic Seas and English Channel
Management area: Certified fleets only (Cornwall)
Method: Net (purse seine or ring)
Certification: Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
More infoOK - Needs Improvement
OK - Needs Improvement
An ok choice, but needs improvement. We recommend seeking alternatives where possible.
Wild-caught
Location: Southern Celtic Seas and English Channel
Management area: All areas
Method: Net (pelagic trawl; purse seine)
More infoWild-caught
Location: Cantabrian Sea and Atlantic Iberian waters
Management area: Certified fleets only
Method: Net (purse seine or ring)
Certification: Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
More infoWild-caught
Location: Cantabrian Sea and Atlantic Iberian waters
Management area: All areas
Method: Net (purse seine or ring)
More infoWild-caught
Location: Northwest Africa: Zone A and B (Central)
Management area: All areas
Method: Net (pelagic trawl; purse seine)
More infoWild-caught
Location: Bay of Biscay
Management area: All areas
Method: Net (purse seine or ring)
More infoWild-caught
Location: Bay of Biscay
Management area: All areas
Method: Net (pelagic trawl)
More infoAvoid
Avoid
We recommend avoiding these options as they have significant environmental concerns.
Wild-caught
Location: Northwest Africa: Zone C (Southern)
Management area: All areas
Method: Net (pelagic trawl; purse seine)
More infoUnder review
Under review
These ratings are currently being reviewed.
Sustainable swaps
European pilchard
pilchard
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