The Hastings Dover sole trawl and gill-net fishery has been awarded the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certificate for sustainable and well-managed fisheries.
As a result, all Dover sole landed in Hastings, UK, is now eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel. This new certification will complement the MSC certification of the Hastings-based trammel net fishery which was awarded in 2005.
Stephen Potter, Fishing Sector Development Officer for Hastings Borough Council said: "The Hastings-based fleet is very versatile and targets species seasonally using a variety of different gears. With this new certification, all fishing gears are covered. It means that all Dover sole caught by Hastings fishermen can now carry the MSC label."
"Having all Hastings Dover sole MSC-certified will make things a lot easier from a traceability perspective,” added Mr Potter. “It should also help with continuity of supply, as some of the larger boats are able to set out in rougher weather. Currently much of the fish is exported abroad, but the intent is to further develop local UK markets."
Paul Joy, chairman of Hastings Fishermen's Protection Society, commented: "Sustainable fishing practices are essential to the health of both the fishing industry and the marine ecosystem. Hastings fishermen have strived hard to achieve this balance between use and conservation and we are delighted to be awarded our third MSC certificate. It means a great deal to us. It proves that we are an environmentally friendly fishery."
