But with over-fishing widely acknowledged as the greatest single threat to marine wildlife and habitats, could the traditional seafood favourite have had its chips?

According to the Marine Conservation Society nearly 70 per cent of the world's fish stocks are now fully fished, over-fished, or depleted.

But one Thornton chippy has recognised the importance of sourcing its produce from sustainable stocks and also encourages its customers to eat fish and chips the eco-friendly way.

Alastair Horabin, owner of Senior's restaurant and takeaway, said: "As Fleetwood fish merchants, our family knows the importance of always looking after the fish.

"We source fish not only from Fleetwood, but from all over the world as the Irish Sea isn't 100 per cent sustainable."

With his innovative thinking, the 23-year-old entrepreneur makes sure his business lives up to its slogan: 'Catch of the future'.

Rather than just your traditional cod and haddock, there is wide choice on offer.

Mr Horabin said: "If we educate people about different types of fish then future generations will still be able to enjoy the fish on offer now.

"We have 13 varieties – including cod, haddock, hake, butterfish, plaice, lemon sole, monkfish, pollack, halibut and John Dory.

"It's all really tasty. Customers often go for mainstream varieties but we're trying to offer them something different."

And for takeaway customers, the fish is all wrapped up in biodegradable packaging.

Mr Horabin added: "We never use plastic bags, we have biodegradable bags.

"We're also piloting a range of biodegradable trays made out of sugar cane."

The Fleetwood's fishing industry also recognises the importance of sourcing fish from sustainable stocks.

Steve Wilson, assistant manager of Dockside Ltd, said: "We have a wide variety of fish, none of which is on an endangered list.

Generations

"We buy salmon from factories that have been approved by the Marine Stewardship Council and are sustainable.

"It's important, if we don't we won't have a business."

So next time you're down at the local chippy, spare a thought for fish stocks.

Trying a different variety today could mean future generations will still be able to enjoy the traditional seaside supper.