PEOPLE in the region are being asked to help the World Wildlife Fund in its quest to stop the decline in fish stocks.

The charity has published a report, Fish of the Day, which was launched at North Shields fish quay yesterday, and highlights ways people can help ensure fish stays on the menu.

The fund's North regional manager, Helen Ashworth, said: "Our new report examines fish eating habits over the past 30 years and makes positive suggestions on how consumers can help save our seas while still enjoying seafood."

The British seafood diet is dominated by cod, haddock, plaice, salmon and prawns, so the fund is suggesting that people eat a greater variety to take the pressure off these species, which are being over-fished.

Cod lovers are advised that pollack, saithe or ling are a good substitute, as they look and taste very similar.

Customers are also asked to support locally-caught fish from North Shields, Amble, Blyth and Hartlepool, by buying mackerel, lemon sole, turbot and monkfish.

The report also suggests people avoid smaller sizes of fish, eating more herring to prevent it being converted into animal feed and avoid more vulnerable species.

The report is part of the WWF's Oceans Recovery Programme which is pushing for legislation to be brought in to protect and manage marine environment.