UK exports lots of fish.
“In 2023, the most landed fish species in UK waters by UK vessels were:
Mackerel – Over 232,000 tonnes, accounting for 32% of the total UK catch.
Blue Whiting – Approximately 60,000 tonnes.
Herring – Around 40,000 tonnes.”
I’m from South-America and been living in the UK for many years. My home town is 3h from the seaside and fish is not something we would eat, unless you go to the seaside. Once in the beach, there are plenty of restaurants which serves an incredible variety of seafood, and not that expensive.
I know that Fish & Chips is one of the main food in the UK, and I like it. But when I you go to the seaside and see those beautiful harbours with lots of fish boats, I imagine: “Where the fishes go? At least a few of them must stay local!”
But… what you find in every single corner is… “Fish and Chips”. Cod or Haddock, and the UK import a lot of them.
Why?