A native oyster fishery in the Blackwater River in Essex, UK has started the independent Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) assessment that – if successful – will see it certified as a sustainable and well-managed fishery.

A native oyster fishery in the Blackwater River is being assessed for MSC acreditation. Credit: Wikipedia

Fishermen on the Blackwater catch around 60MT of oysters each year both by hand and by using dredges.

The fishery undergoing assessment is run by the Tollesbury and Mersea Native Oyster Fishery Company Ltd – a locally-owned company that dates back to 1876. Oyster fishing in the Mersea area dates back to Roman times and records of sailing smacks used for oyster dredging date back to the 1700s. To this day, the Mayor of Colchester – Britain’s oldest recorded town - opens the oyster season by sailing into Mersea Waters.

Dr Theresa Redding from CoastNet is liaising between the fishery and the certifiers for the assessment: “This oyster fishery is well known nationally and to achieve success through the MSC scheme will only highlight the Company’s commitment to sustainability and good management. CoastNet’s role is to facilitate a smooth assessment process and remove the burden of gathering information from the fishermen and to support them where necessary.”

Toby Middleton, MSC UK Commercial Manager adds: “I’m really pleased to welcome the Tollesbury and Mersea Native Oyster Fishery Company into MSC assessment. I am sure that the assessment of this historic fishery will raise a great deal of interest among the increasing number of restaurateurs – particularly in London – who are keen to offer their customers MSC certified shellfish. I hope that the fishery will experience a smooth, successful assessment”

The assessment will be carried out by independent certifier Moody Marine.