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HUGH'S Fish Fight, the acclaimed Channel 4 television series which highlighted the discards scandal, was recognised in the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) at the weekend.
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, the celebrity chef and food writer, was on hand at the glittering ceremony to accept the award in the BAFTA Features category.
He said: "The whole production team is absolutely thrilled to have Hugh's Fish Fight recognised in this way. It's been great to be part of it in so many ways but perhaps most of all the way it engaged the public. Hugh's Fish Fight got them genuinely interested in the pressing issues of marine conservation. The madness of what is happening out at sea is now out in the open.
He added: "It seems we're on track for some much-needed changes and this award recognises that as much as anything else."
Hugh's Fish Fight was nominated alongside Come Dine With Me, Mary Queen of Shops and Pineapple Dance Studios.
The series has had a huge impact on the fishing and seafood industry, with virtually all the major seafood producers lending their support to the campaign, although some sections of the fishing industry complained that it over simplified problems facing the industry.
Even the European Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki admitted that it influenced her in her effort to get discards banned under reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.
The campaign has already been endorsed by more than 676,000 people. It is hoped it will reach one million supporters, whose names will be included in a letter to Maria Damanaki, with a plea for a discard ban in European waters.
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