The End of the Line Inspires the End of the Tuna Sandwich

The co-founder of the London sandwich shop Pret a Manger has taken tuna off the menu after seeing the film The End of the Line. The documentary about over-fishing, based on the book by Charles Clover, covers the effect of the modern fishing industry on marine ecosystems and in particular, bluefin tuna which is now considered an endangered species.

After seeing the film, Julian Metcalf decided to remove tuna from the sandwiches and sushi at all 190 stores. Ocean conservationists have been working for years to get upscale restaurants like Nobu to take similar action and remove bluefin tuna from their menu.

The End of the Line producers have also started a campaign, asking consumers to take a pledge to take several actions:

-         Only eat sustainable seafood by asking where your fish comes from and how it was caught before you buy. Not sure what is sustainable? Check out Seafood Watch or use FishPhone by texting 30644 with the message FISH and the name of the fish in question. They’ll text you back with an assessment and better alternatives to fish with significant environmental concerns. Or ask your favorite restaurants to only use fish that is Marine Stewardship Council certified. You can buy MSC certified products at a number of stores and specialty shops including Walmart, Safeway, Costco and Target.

-         Tell politicians to develop fishing quotas based on science and precaution

-         Join the campaign for marine protected areas and responsible fishing. Currently, only 3% of the world’s oceans are protected areas, tell politicians we want more protected marine reserves.

And for tuna lovers, look for MSC certified Albacore so you can enjoy your tuna sandwich with a clear conscience.