An historic partnership of the Marine Stewardship Council and the Scottish Government came together recently to launch a new project that will boost the environmental credentials of Scotland’s fisheries.
The MSC Scottish fisheries project is part-funded by the Scottish Government and will make it easier for Scottish fisheries to access MSC certification and the coveted MSC eco-label for sustainable and well-managed fisheries.
The project aims to support fisheries from across the Scottish fishing industry. It will also include a special remit to work with the inshore fisheries that make up the majority of Scotland's 5,448 fishermen, providing a vital supply of fresh seafood to the UK and continental Europe.
Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Over half of all Scottish fisheries by value are now either MSC-certified or in the full assessment process and many more are on the road to achieving the gold standard of sustainability. This is hugely encouraging as the future health and viability of our fisheries is dependent on our stocks being harvested in a responsible manner. I am proud of Scotland's conservation credentials and pay tribute to our fishing sector for the enviable reputation for fishing sustainably it has forged.
“Sustainability sells products and more consumers than ever before are seeking a guarantee that the product they eat is from sustainable sources. Certification is also what the market wants, and in these tough economic times it's vital that we do everything in our power to ensure profitability of this important industry. Interest in MSC certification is rapidly gaining momentum in Scotland – the number of certified fisheries doubled in 2008 and has already redoubled in the first few months of this year.
“The MSC Outreach Officer will support this growth in Scotland by acting as a source of support to all fisheries in Scotland. As well as funding this post I am delighted to announce an extra £20,000 in support of the outreach project which will help raise awareness of the benefits of MSC and support fisheries that wish to pursue certification.”
