Tesco is the latest supermarket chain to bow to eco-organisation Bite-Back's campaign to have products based on overfished marine species removed from shops and restaurants in Britain.

Tesco has removed swordfish and marlin-based foods throughout its 1779 UK stores. Bite-Back has already enjoyed success with Sainsbury's, which has removed swordfish and marlin; and with ASDA and Wagamama noodle bars, which have removed shark products.

David Oliver, Fresh Fish Technical Manager at Tesco, said: "Tesco is committed to taking a responsible approach and promoting sustainable fish sourcing."

Graham Buckingham, Campaign Director for Bite-Back, said: "Tesco is to be applauded for elevating the concept of protecting the oceans by choosing not to sell these threatened fish in store. When a retail giant like Tesco can alter its buying policy to reduce commercial pressure on threatened fish species then other retailers have no excuse."

He added: "At last marine conservation is coming of age. Thousands of consumers have already made the link between over consumption and overfishing and the ongoing demise of the oceans. Through Bite-Back they're calling on retailers and restaurants to influence the fishing industry by no longer selling threatened and vulnerable fish species.

"Today's news is further proof that it's working."

Bite-Back has met with remarkable success since it was launched in 2004 to tackle over-consumption in the UK of threatened fish species. It claims to have persuaded some 10,000 supporters to join its email-based campaigns.

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