THE debate on conserving the cod species is an interesting one (The Issue, Oxford Mail, July 28).

There is little doubt that over-fishing and modern methods are depleting our oceans and damaging the whole marine environment. I decided a few years ago to be much more conscious of the impact my food choices were having and, like most Brits, I enjoy a regular visit to my local fish and chip shop.

I visited every chippy in Witney and asked them all to consider selling more sustainable species like mackerel, pollock or coley – in addition to the established favourites, giving customers a real choice.

The answer was a resounding ‘no’. I even demonstrated how much cheaper pollock was compared to cod. After several attempts I gave up and decided to stop eating fish altogether.

I now enjoy a healthy and greener diet as a vegetarian. I still visit the chippy but it’s pea fritter and chips for me. One thing, however, I don’t understand is that the UK exports 75 per cent of all the fish it catches, while we import 75 per cent of the fish we actually eat. It doesn’t make sense.

ANDREW COLES Farmington Drive Witney