Experts say to look for one word when buying fish and chips after a warning. The Marine Conservation Society downgraded UK cod stocks and removed them from its sustainable seafood list.

Ruth H. Thurstan said the cod in most shops should be Icelandic.

Professor Thurstan says UK cod populations are depleted. The International Council advised zero catches for some stocks. Catch limits are above scientific advice, allowing 14,000 tonnes of North Sea cod in 2026.

A classic portion of fish and chips

She added: quotas are reduced, but recovery is hampered by fisheries. Cod are caught in mixed fisheries and removed by unselective gears. This means cod is removed even when not targeted.

Climate change adds pressure. Cod move north or deeper, disrupting ecosystems. Warmer seas affect reproduction and survival.

These factors mean the outlook for local cod stocks is dire.

You need to know where it is from

Icelandic Atlantic cod is a 'best choice'. British Atlantic cod is labelled 'avoid'.

Prof Thurstan said: asking where fish comes from helps drive demand. Switching to alternatives like hake reduces pressure on cod. Check the Good Fish Guide or Marine Stewardship Council for green labels or blue ticks.