The largest Atlantic halibut fishery in eastern Canadian waters has entered full assessment in the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) certification program.
The client for this assessment is the Atlantic Halibut Council representing the main associations of commercial halibut harvesters in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. All Atlantic halibut caught by Canadian harvesters in Northwest Atlantic Fishing Organization (NAFO) fishing zones 3NOPs, 4VWX and 5Zc in Atlantic Ocean waters using demersal long lines, demersal trawls and gill nets will be considered in the assessment.
The Atlantic halibut fishery is managed by Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans with a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 1,700mt in 2010. The fishery is managed as part of the overall groundfish fishery in the area and includes catches of Atlantic halibut landed from directed fishing trips as well as bycatch when directing for other species. The primary market for Atlantic halibut is in Canada, the United States and the European Union in both fresh and frozen products.
Bruce Chapman, executive director of the Atlantic Halibut Council, says, “We have made great efforts to rebuild this resource over the past 10-15 years, and are very pleased to now be in a position to apply for MSC certification.”
