I’d like to be able to pretend that this was a blog inspired by deep-rooted environmental concerns.  That, in some parallel universe, I had been routinely swimming in warm anchovy-rich seas, and that I had suddenly noticed the absence of all my erstwhile little, silvery swimming companions.  But, no.  This is the real world, and what I mean is, why haven’t Morrisons had any tins of anchovies on their shelves for months?

Anchovies.  I realise that they are something of a Marmite food.  But I happen to like them.  I am one of those odd people who order extra anchovies with my pizza.  Although, not at the moment.  Because you can’t find anchovies for love or money.

I want to blame Brexit.  But this might be a rare occurrence where Brexit is not directly to blame for a worsening situation, although give me long enough and I am sure that I could find a link somewhere.  No, turns out it is an eco-problem, after all.  Global warming.  A super-heated El Niño/La Niña effect in the southern hemisphere.  Warm sea temperatures off the coast of Peru adversely affecting the food supply of the young anchovy population.  The Butterfly Effect in action.  A warm sea in the south Pacific directly translating to fewer tins of canned fish in north London.

Anchovies.  Was it a dream, or did I once watch a TV programme that showed that they were filleted and packaged by hand?  It seems incredible, but somehow justifies their relatively high price.  But, of all tasks, this seems like one that could surely be mechanised?  The cleaning; the filleting; the packaging.  Turns out not.  It needs us humans to do the job.

The humble anchovy.  In an increasingly machine-dominated world, the anchovy permits us humans to maintain a relevance in the food chain.  By making sure that the environment of this little fish is preserved, we are protecting ourselves at the same time.

Funny.  Turns out this blog was inspired by environmental concerns after all.

© Beery Sue

Beery Sue is an unlikely urban environmentalist.