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The owner of an award-winning chippy has voiced his concerns over the 'deeply worrying' challenges facing the hospitality industry due to a shortage of cod. Ryan Harrison, from Harrison's Fish and Chip Co. in Botley, near Oxford, has highlighted the scarcity of cod as one of the factors making life "extremely tough" for independent businesses in the hospitality sector. Scientists have warned that cod populations in British waters are so depleted that none should be caught for the next year. Mr Harrison stated: "The current economic climate is extremely tough for independent hospitality businesses, including fish and chip shops. We're facing pressure from all sides, including soaring energy costs, rising supplier prices, increased National Insurance contributions, and high business rates. On top of that, the ongoing cod shortage has driven prices up even further, making it more difficult for small businesses to stay afloat." READ MORE: The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), an independent body based in Denmark, advised that no cod should be caught in the "northern shelf" until the species has had a chance to recover. This includes the English Channel, the North Sea up to Norway, and the west of Scotland, extending previous warnings for the Irish and Celtic seas, leaving virtually no cod available for UK fryers. Ryan says suppliers are cautioning that shortages are expected to persist for several more months, potentially extending up to a year, with supply remaining unpredictable in the "short to medium term". He added that securing premium-quality stock at competitive prices remains the priority, while maintaining transparency with customers by explaining supply challenges and alternative fish varieties. Mr Harrison stated: "Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We know fish and chips are a comforting staple for many, and we want to keep them both accessible and affordable. "That's why we've introduced value alternatives like hoki and saithe, which we've committed to keeping at £7 per fillet through the end of the year, keeping fish and chips under £10. "We're being open about the challenges we're facing because we believe our community deserves transparency and fair options, not just rising prices." For a more permanent solution, the proprietor is urging the Government to reconsider fishing quota reductions to help steady supply and pricing. Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp . Join our dedicated community for the latest updates sent straight to your phone as they happen. You can find out more about cost-of-living issues in our Money Saving Newsletter, which is sent out daily via email with all the updates you need to know on pensions , PIP , Universal Credit , benefits, finances, bills, and shopping discounts. Get the top stories in your inbox to browse through at a time that suits you.
