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Winter 2026 Ratings Review

Posted on: 24th February 2026

Winter 2026 Ratings Review
Every winter, we review half of the sustainability ratings for our Cornish species (the other half is done in summer). Our winter ratings review, based on the most recent available scientific advice and management information, is now live for public consultation to ensure full transparency.
 
If you have an interest in our ratings and have technical insight and information that could contribute to the comprehensiveness and quality of these assessments, we welcome your input before 5pm on Tuesday 10th March 2026.  
  
The proposed changes and consultation document can be found in our partner's, the Marine Conservation Society, spreadsheet here - MCS Good Fish Guide - Ratings Consultation. 
 
To comment, please download the Good Fish Guide Ratings Review Feb 2026, Cornwall ratings are found on a separate sheet in the Excel spreadsheet. Complete the indicated feedback column for ratings of interest, and return your completed sheets to this address (ratings@mcsuk.org) along with any supporting information.  Cornwall specific ratings are on a separate tab on the spreadsheet and are labeled; Cornwall Wildlife Trust Ratings.  
 
We recommend reviewing the Notes sheet, which provides an overview of the methodology and scoring. Please refer to our ratings methodologies in responses.  
 
All current seafood ratings can be found on our website  www.cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk.
 
Ratings which have been reviewed include; 
 
  • Major change to Mackerel ratings - Critical Fail - following overfishing of the stock in northern Atlantic ocean.
  • Improved Native Oyster rating for the unique Fal Fishery, follwing an increase in Minimum Landing Size.
  • Another good year for Cornish Sardine, with further increases in stock size in Celtic Sea and Western English Channel.
  • A new rating for King Scallops for the novel “Disco Potting Method”- providing a lower impact method than dredging.

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Cornwall Good Seafood Guide
Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Five Acres, Allet
Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9DJ

+44 (0) 1872 302251 seafood@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

Cornwall Good Seafood Guide is underpinned by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Good Fish Guide. The first UK consumer guide to sustainable seafood. For more information visit www.fishonline.org

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