THE Marine Conservation Society has launched a website to help consumers make an informed choice on the types of fish they choose.

www.fishonline.org aims "to take the pain" out of doing the right thing in buying fish by providing the latest scientific information about the status of Europe's fish stocks. It lists how fish are caught and the environmental impacts of different fishing methods. The site also contains a simple online search facility to find out whether your favourite fish dish should be on the menu.

Dawn Bache, MCS fisheries officer, said: "Fishonline will inform consumers about the fish they buy and how the choices they make can contribute to the development of a sustainable future for our fishing industry."