The Grand Bank Yellowtail Flounder Fishery has been re-certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for being sustainable and well-managed.
The Canadian fishery was first awarded MSC certification in 2010 and has spent the past five years enhancing practices to meet the MSC’s nine conditions for ongoing improvement.
Blaine Sullivan, chief operating officer of Ocean Choice International which owns the fishery, said: “We take great pride in ensuring all our fisheries operate in a responsible and sustainable matter and we are pleased with the re-certification of yellowtail flounder.”
The fishery operates in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Divisions 3L, 3N and 3O. Total allowable catch is 17,000 tonnes, 97.5% of which is held by Canada. OCI holds 91.7% of the Canadian quota.
Located on the Grand Bank in Newfoundland’s coastal waters, the yellowtail flounder fishery was previously a mixed fishery combining the yellowtail flounder with American plaice and cod until the latter two were placed under moratorium.
Since certification was first awarded five years ago, the fishery has worked to maintain stocks of the retail and food service market favourite well above sustainable levels in tandem with implementing new measures to further reduce impacts on American plaice and cod.
Other technological advances include implementing changes to otter trawling gear, ground gear damage reduction of over 50% and protecting benthic habitats and organisms.
