The Swedish Shellfish Producer Organisation (SSPO) has become the first rope grown blue mussel fishery to begin full assessment against the marine Stewardship Council’s (MCS) sustainability standard.
Located in Skagerrak and Kattegat, the fishery's mussels are harvested all year round with catches ranging from 1477 up to 2430 tonnes.
Bengt Gunnarsson, SSPO, said: “We see MSC as a seal of approval of our sustainability. Now as market demand for more certified seafood is on the increase, we of course want to ensure that our mussels are recognised as sustainable.”
Although the cultivation of mussels has minimal impact on its immediate environment, the fishery will have to comply with all environmental legislation with regards to fishing in sensitive areas.
As part of the assessment, anyone with a stake in the fishery can be involved in the process. The certification body Food Certification International (FCI) Ltd is seeking to open a dialogue with stakeholders and anyone with knowledge or information relevant to the assessment in terms of the stock status, ecosystem interactions or fishery management practices.
Comments can be sent to the fisheries administrator by email: joanna.kabut@foodcertint.com
