Demonstrating their continuing commitment to sustainable fishing, the Hastings Fleet Dover sole fishery (UK) has entered full assessment against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard for sustainable fisheries for its otter trawl, gillnet and remaining static gear fleet.
Part of the fishery is already supplying MSC-certified Dover sole caught using trammel nets and it is now applying for the eco-label for Dover sole caught using these other methods.
Stephen Potter, Fishing Sector Development Officer for Hastings Borough Council says: “The MSC certification means a great deal to Hastings fishing industry and to the fishermen who provide MSC-certified fish. We felt that it was time to bring the Dover sole caught using trawl and gillnets into the Hastings MSC range so that boats using any gear-type can reap the rewards of certification. If successful, this will mean that every Dover sole landed at Hastings will be certified by the MSC.”
Rupert Howes, Chief Executive of the Marine Stewardship Council, welcomes the decision to expand the MSC programme in Hastings: "Hastings Borough Council is showing tremendous leadership in its support and promotion of sustainable fishing. Fishers and local businesses have already seen some positive market developments directly related to certification and it is good news that more local fishers are now taking part."
Accredited certification body Moody Marine will conduct the independent evaluation of the fishery and is calling for any stakeholders who wish to be involved to come forward. They will assemble a team of experts that will examine the status of the fish stock, the impact of the fishery on the marine eco-system and the effectiveness of management systems. If the fishery is certified and traceability is established, the fishery will be able to use the distinctive blue MSC eco-label on product packaging.
