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One in six UK primary schools are now serving MSC certified sustainable fish to students according to a report published today by the Marine Stewardship Council.

Over 500 schools have become MSC certified in the past year, an 18% increase in schools offering their pupils demonstrably sustainable fish. The MSC attributes the change to the new School Food Standards.

Henry Dimbleby, one of the authors of the School Food Standards said: “This report highlights the impact of the School Food Plan on the sourcing of fish in schools. It shows a strong start, though there is still a long way to go.

“Thousands more school pupils eating sustainable fish, supporting sustainable fishing and learning how to protect the marine environment: that’s a fantastic legacy to leave our children.

“The evidence is clear: eating fish, and particularly oily fish, is good for developing brains and bodies. But while feeding children well today, we also need to protect their future. That’s why we recommended sustainably-sourced, MSC certified fish.”

Toby Middleton, programme director at the MSC said: “We’ve seen a significant increase in schools serving MSC certified fish and a renewed interest in oily fish. Under the School Food Standards, schools are required to serve oily fish every three weeks and they recommend MSC certified fish.

“With the Standards coming into force in January we’ve seen renewed commitments from LEAs and their suppliers coupled with a real shift in attitudes toward sustainable fish sourcing.”

17% of UK primary schools are now serving MSC certified fish and 2,874 primary schools are now MSC certified.

As part of the School Food Plan, a new set of standards for all food served in schools was launched by the Department for Education. They become mandatory in all maintained schools, and new academies and free schools from January 2015.