Responsible Approach:
At Stickleback, we take our shared responsibility to protect the natural environment and safeguard seafood stocks for future generations seriously. At a time of increasing pressure on global marine resources, we are committed to taking meaningful action to support responsible and ethical sourcing.
For several years, we have operated under a comprehensive Sustainability Policy and follow the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) guidelines on which species to use and which to avoid. These principles sit at the heart of our sourcing decisions and help ensure that the seafood we supply supports healthy ecosystems and responsible fisheries.
In 2025, we strengthened our commitment further by achieving ASC accreditation, allowing us to supply a wider range of responsibly farmed seafood that meets strict environmental and social standards. Alongside this, we continue to expand our selection of MSC-certified products, offering our customers an increasing choice of seafood from independently verified sustainable sources.
Our business is built on long-standing relationships with trusted suppliers, processors, and individual fishermen across the United Kingdom. Through experienced buyers in key port markets and partnerships with reputable importers, we ensure consistent access to exceptional-quality seafood, including a diverse range of exotic species.
Seasonality plays a vital role in the availability, quality, and sustainability of fresh fish. To help our customers make informed choices, we provide guidance throughout the year on what’s in season. You can explore our “What’s In Season” guide or speak with our team at any time for tailored advice and up-to-date information.
Stickleback Fish - Passionate about sustainability
Check out our short video outlining some of the work we are doing to reduce our carbon footprint.
Our Commitment:
Stickleback fish is dedicated to reducing the impact of doing business on the environment in general. Through various practices we have been doing our bit, preventing over 70 tonnes of waste heading to landfill per year and reducing our total waste going to landfill to under 2%.
In 2017, we purchased a polystyrene crusher allowing us to fully re-cycle our polystyrene boxes.
We have renewed all our refrigeration and have moved to sensor activated LED lighting to improve on electricity consumption by a target of 30%.
For more information, please refer to our environmental policy.
Key Associations:
We have been accredited by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) since 2014 and hold their Chain of Custody certification. This certification ensures traceability of certified sustainable seafood through every stage of processing, from fishery to final consumer
In 2025, we strengthened our commitment further by achieving Aquaculture Stewardship Council accreditation (ASC), allowing us to supply a wider range of responsibly farmed seafood that meets strict environmental and social standards.
We have been signatories to the Living Wage Foundation scheme since 2017. A scheme we truly believe in, as a responsible, mutual employer it is essential that everyone can earn a wage that meets their everyday needs- The Marine Conservation Society is the UK’s leading charity for the protection of our seas, shores and wildlife.
- We also work with Sustainable Fish Cities to determine specific sustainability requirements and policies.
Award Winner
MSC UK Fresh Fish Foodservice Supplier of the Year: The Stickleback Fish Company Ltd
Ross Arnold, Managing Director of Stickleback, said: “We have been an independent regional seafood supplier since 2005 and have held the MSC chain of Custody since 2015. To be awarded the Fresh Foodservice Supplier of the Year is testament to the work and innovation of the Stickleback team. In the past year we have been the first to market in the UK for MSC Icelandic monkfish and redfish, which has been hugely successful for our customers. We are the first independent winner of this award which means a huge amount to the team and we will continue to champion MSC and sustainability.”