Mr.Goodfish: Making Responsible Seafood Consumption Easier for Everyone –
Choosing seafood responsibly is an important step towards protecting marine resources and supporting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Yet, knowing which species to consume, when to buy them and how they are produced is not always straightforward. Since 2010, the European Mr.Goodfish programme has been addressing this challenge by turning scientific knowledge into practical recommendations for consumers and seafood professionals.
Science behind responsible seafood choices
At the heart of Mr.Goodfish is a seasonal recommendation system based on scientific assessments. For wild species, recommendations consider four main criteria: population status, size at first sexual maturity, respect for breeding seasons and the overall status of the species.
A committee of experts reviews species every three months across three geographical regions: the Mediterranean, the English Channel and North Sea, and Brittany and the Atlantic coast.
Aquaculture species are assessed through complementary criteria, including farming practices, feeding and environmental impacts. This approach encourages responsible production while promoting greater diversity in seafood consumption.
By highlighting species that are abundant, in season and suitable for responsible consumption, Mr.Goodfish helps reduce pressure on vulnerable resources and encourages consumers to discover alternatives to traditionally popular seafood.
Mr.Goodfish 3.0: A new digital dimension
Building on more than a decade of experience, the EU-funded Mr.Goodfish3.0 project is expanding the programme’s reach and accessibility across Europe.
The redesigned website and free mobile application (free app and redesigned website), launched in June 2026, are now available in 25 languages, making scientific recommendations accessible to a wider European audience.
The digital platform provides practical information to help consumers select and prepare seafood more responsibly, combining seasonal recommendations with recipes and educational content.
Today, the platform offers:
- 150+ species with clear consumption recommendations.
- 300+ recipes encouraging seafood diversity.
- 500+ committed professionals, including restaurants, fishmongers and producers.
- 25 languages to reach consumers across Europe.
Seafood professionals: Partners in sustainability
Responsible seafood consumption also depends on the professionals who bring aquatic products to consumers. Restaurants, fishmongers, retailers and producers play an essential role in promoting better sourcing practices and diversifying seafood offerings.
Through Mr.Goodfish programme, participating businesses can demonstrate their environmental commitment, increase their visibility within a European network and access updated species recommendations, communication tools and educational support.
The programme also encourages professionals to introduce lesser-known species and adapt their offerings to seasonal availability, creating new opportunities while supporting responsible fishers and producers.
From individual choices to collective impact
With global demand for aquatic foods continuing to grow, responsible consumption is becoming increasingly important for the future of fisheries, aquaculture and marine ecosystems. According to the FAO, global aquaculture production of aquatic animals exceeded 100 million tonnes for the first time in 2024, highlighting the growing role of aquaculture in food supply and the importance of responsible production practices.
Initiatives such as Mr.Goodfish demonstrate how scientific expertise, accessible information and collaboration across the seafood value chain can contribute to more sustainable consumption patterns.
Ultimately, responsible seafood consumption is not simply about choosing what to eat. It is about understanding the origin of seafood, respecting the biological cycles of aquatic species and supporting professionals committed to more responsible practices.
Every seafood choice matters. By choosing wisely, consumers can become active participants in protecting aquatic resources and building a more sustainable blue economy.
Discover more about Mr.Goodfish through its website and free mobile application (download the free app on Google Play or the Apple App Store), explore seasonal recommendations, and find seafood professionals committed to responsible consumption.
Mr.Goodfish: Making Responsible Seafood Consumption Easier for Everyone
