Letter: Cod argument

You draw proper attention to the latest report from the New Economics Foundation, pointing out the appalling economic loss of discarding cod and other highly valued species over the past 50 years, a loss of around £2.6 billion to the UK economy (1 August).

However, the author, Rupert Crilly, suggesting the consumption of certain species could pile even more pressure on endangered stocks, was himself economical with the truth in one crucial area.

Cod consumption in the UK has depended on supplies from the North Atlantic, in particular the clear Arctic waters around Iceland, for well over 200 years.

Norway and Iceland have led the way in establishing science-based and rigorously enforced fisheries management ever since the Cod Wars, and No Discarding is a long-proven element of their policy.

You can eat cod with a clear conscience. British fish and chip shops rely on cod frozen at sea within five hours of being caught to ensure they always have both the best quality and sustainable supplies.

John Rutherford

Fasfa (former Frozen at Sea Fillets Association)

Symington

Biggar