UK fish stocks at risk as trawlers dump six times more than they catch

No trip to the beach is complete without a serving of haddock and chips, but scientists warn that illegal fishing practices could spell the end of this seaside staple.

Researchers from Blue Marine Foundation warn that Britain's fish stocks face collapse as trawlers dump back vast quantities of less valuable species.

In some parts of the UK, trawlers are chucking back six times as much fish as they bring ashore – despite the practice having been banned under EU law in 2013.

Experts now warn that this has created a 'ticking time bomb' for the UK's marine ecosystems.

Plaice are the worst affected species since they are often caught as 'bycatch' while trawlers go after expensive sole.