Orkney Crab has become the first fishery in the world to achieve certification under the Community Catch standard for small-scale fisheries, marking a significant milestone for responsible seafood production and sustainable fishing communities.
Awarded by NSF, the certification recognises the Orkney-based fishery’s environmental stewardship, responsible fishing practices and social compliance, while providing independent third-party verification for seafood buyers.
“Community Catch certification provides independent verification of the responsible practices our fishermen have maintained for generations,” said Paul Knight, managing director of Orkney Crab.
“This achievement strengthens our ability to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility to buyers and consumers who increasingly require verified credentials.”
Small-scale fisheries account for around 40% of the world’s fish catch and employ more than 90% of global capture fishers, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
However, many have traditionally found certification schemes too costly or complex. Community Catch was developed to provide a practical framework tailored specifically to community-based fishing operations.
The standard assesses fisheries against criteria covering environmental management, labour rights, health and safety and responsible social practices, drawing on guidance from the FAO, Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative and International Labour Organization.
“Orkney Crab is a strong example of what Community Catch was designed to recognise: organised fishing communities, responsible fishing practices, committed processors, and supply chain partners working together to demonstrate environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and due diligence on labour rights, health and safety,” explained Linda Wood, chief executive of Community Catch.
The Orkney Crab fleet consists mainly of vessels under 10 metres in length using low-impact pot fishing methods designed to minimise seabed disturbance and bycatch. The fishery also voluntarily maintains minimum catch sizes around 10% above legal requirements to support healthy crab stocks.
Processing more than 1,500 tonnes of brown crab each year, Orkney Crab contributes over £6 million annually to the local economy while supplying major UK retailers and export markets across Europe and beyond.
