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Sardine

Sardina pilchardus

Also known as: European pilchard, pilchard

Think before you buy!
Think before you buy!
Some sources of this species are more sustainable than others. View ratings.

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

Rated 1-2
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2

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 info

OK - Needs Improvement

Rated 3-4
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3

Wild-caught

Location: Southern Celtic Seas and English Channel

Management area: All areas

Method: Net (pelagic trawl; purse seine)

More info
3

Wild-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 info
4

Wild-caught

Location: Cantabrian Sea and Atlantic Iberian waters

Management area: All areas

Method: Net (purse seine or ring)

More info
4

Wild-caught

Location: Northwest Africa: Zone A and B (Central)

Management area: All areas

Method: Net (pelagic trawl; purse seine)

More info
4

Wild-caught

Location: Bay of Biscay

Management area: All areas

Method: Net (purse seine or ring)

More info
4

Wild-caught

Location: Bay of Biscay

Management area: All areas

Method: Net (pelagic trawl)

More info

Avoid

Rated 5
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5

Wild-caught

Location: Northwest Africa: Zone C (Southern)

Management area: All areas

Method: Net (pelagic trawl; purse seine)

More info

Under review

Ratings that are Under Review
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Sustainable swaps

Also known as

European pilchard

pilchard

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