800kg of Megrim brought to UK schools

2,400 school children have been given the chance to cook, taste and learn about Megrim – a responsibly-sourced, lesser-known flat fish caught off the British coast.

A whopping 800kg of Megrim will be delivered to 48 schools across the South East of England in a #FishHero collaboration between Chapmans of Sevenoaks Ltd, Passionate About Fish Ltd, The Food Teachers Centre and Ocean Fish Group.

Three people stand smiling outside a seafood deli, holding large boxes of Megrim, wrapped in blue. One holds fresh herbs.

The project aims to spotlight Megrim (also known as Cornish Sole), a flat fish found on the seabed of the northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, with catches well below available quota levels. Whilst it’s a species widely enjoyed in countries such as France and Spain, much of the UK catch is exported overseas – meaning many British consumers have never even tried it.

For many students, this project will be their first experience preparing fresh fish from scratch. By giving children a hands-on opportunity to cook and taste seafood, growing a greater understanding of where food comes from and the importance of responsible seafood choices.

A woman in a beige trench coat holds fresh herbs next to a man in a dark apron holding a large box of Megrim wrapped in blue. They're inside a store with shelves and a seafood display, smiling warmly.

Making greater use of underutilised species like Megrim helps reduce pressure on more heavily consumed fish species that are already being fished closer to their limits. With catches sitting comfortably below quota levels, Megrim offers a more responsible seafood choice whilst still delivering the delicate flavour and texture associated with other popular flat fish such as Lemon Sole or Plaice.

Megrim is also frequently caught as part of mixed fisheries, meaning choosing it helps make better use of fish that are already being landed. Supporting species like Megrim encourages a more balanced and efficient seafood supply chain, helping reduce waste whilst supporting British fishing communities and coastal livelihoods.

A woman in a long green coat holds fresh herbs next to a man in a dark apron holding a large box of Megrim wrapped in blue. They're inside a store with shelves and a seafood display, smiling warmly.

This collaboration highlights how education and industry can work together to inspire a passion for sustainable seafood in the next generation, whilst helping to reconnect younger generations with the UK’s fishing heritage and championing lesser-known species.

George Theze , Operations Director at Chapmans of Sevenoaks says;

“Projects like this highlight the importance of collaboration across the seafood industry – from fishermen and processors to fishmongers, teachers and schools – all working together to inspire the next generation to engage with sustainable British seafood.”

Did you know?

  • Megrim is also known as Cornish Sole
  • It’s commonly enjoyed in Spain and France
  • It’s caught in UK waters but often exported overseas
  • Many UK consumers have never tried it despite it being locally landed and sustainable
  • It has a delicate flavour similar to other popular flat fish species
  • Choosing underutilised species can help support more responsible seafood consumption

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