The Celtic Sea herring fishery has been certified to the Marine Stewardship Council Standard as a sustainable and well-managed fishery.
Food Certification International, the independent Certifier described the fishery as ‘clean and selective’ in their assessment. Herring school in single species groups in mid-water meaning low bycatch and minimal contact between fishing gear and the seabed. The report concluded that the establishment of the Celtic Sea Herring Management Advisory Committee (CSHMAC), a national multi stakeholder initiative, and its partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine resulted in a management approach that "led to direct improvements" in the herring stock.
