In response to the recent revelation that some Subway tuna sandwiches contained no trace of tuna DNA, plant-based ‘seafood’ brand Good Catch has taken to the streets of London in its OurWay food to hand out free fish-free subs in a direct challenge to the sandwich chain.

According to the New York Times, the tuna subs it sent for analysis earlier this year contained “no amplifiable tuna DNA” making identification impossible. This could have been because the tuna was so heavily processed, or had been mislabelled at some point in the supply chain. Whatever the reason, it is a wake-up call to consumers who think they’re eating sustainably caught tuna.

Good Catch said it was now on a “mission to spread the word about tasty plant-based” alternatives and motivate consumers to tell Subway to “go fish-free for good”, adding that plant-based was the only truly sustainable option.

This event follows the recent release of the Netflix documentary Seaspiracy that documented the harm caused by commercial fishing to ocean health and marine species. According to a study published in the journal Science, our current overfishing could lead to the collapse of ocean ecosystems by 2050.

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The OurWay van will target several ‘prime locations’ in London that also happen to be very close to Subway restaurants, including Upper St Martin’s Lane, Adelaide Street, Maddox Street and Rathbone Place. The full times and locations:

• 10:00 - 11 Upper St Martin's Ln, London WC2H 9JS

• 11:00 - 8 Adelaide St, London WC2N 4HZ

• 12:00 - 10 Maddox St, London W1S 1PF

• 13:30 - 40-41 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1HX

Chad Sarno, Co-Founder at Good Catch, said: “Large commercial fishing is one of the most destructive activities in our oceans. We can do better. We’re here to offer great-tasting alternatives without bycatch, mercury or environmental damage.

“With the Subway news grabbing headlines across the globe, this is the perfect moment to inform people that there is a better way to enjoy the taste and experience without harm to our oceans. We want to encourage Subway, and other businesses, to add fish-free options for goodness to all.”

As reported by Surge yesterday, more than 20 animal protection and conservation organisations from around the world have signed an open declaration calling for a drastic change in consumer attitudes towards fish and other marine species caught or farmed for our consumption.

According to the Aquatic Life Institute, founding member of the Aquatic Animal Alliance, the welfare of marine animals is largely ignored - despite being farmed in numbers dwarfing those of terrestrial species - and whose capacity to suffer and feel pain is increasingly being recognised.

Plant-based alternatives to so-called seafood, such as those produced by Good Catch, may help consumers transition away from supporting fishing and other harmful industries and move towards a more healthy, more sustainable and more compassionate plant-based lifestyle.

Visit Goodcatchfoods.com or find them on Instagram @goodcatchfoods.

Andrew Gough is Media and Investigations Manager for Surge.

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