Celtic Sea provides a boost for cod

COD, once the staple of fish-and-chippers both here and in Britain, is in danger of becoming extinct in the North Sea, but there’s hope closer to home.

A study being carried out by the Marine Institute in the Celtic Sea is showing that cod can grow quickly and to large sizes there. Thousands of tagged cod have been released there with the aim of determining conditions for the fish around the Irish coast.

Scientists have been warning that North Sea cod are in danger of dying out without a complete fishing ban. Well over 80% of cod caught in European waters is eaten in Britain and Ireland You might have noticed in recent years, however, that cod is not as available in fishmongers and supermarkets as it once was. It has long been a favourite, whether served in batter with chips, included in fish pies, or given the full restaurant treatment.