Three of New Zealand’s key offshore fisheries farming albacore tuna, hoki and southern blue whiting, have been deemed sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
The fisheries’ MSC certification was revealed last week at a reception jointly hosted by the Deepwater Group, the Tuna Management Association, the MSC and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
George Clement, chief executive, Deepwater Group, said: "I commend the fishing companies involved for their commitment in seeking this certification. Certification independently verifies that these fisheries are being managed sustainably and to the world’s best standards. It doesn’t stop there either; there is tight policing of ongoing performance to ensure these fisheries continue to meet the standard."
The hoki fishery, which has been certified as sustainable by the MSC for a third time, was one of the first white fish fisheries in the world to enter the programme.
The certification of the New Zealand albacore fishery supports the country’s plan to ensure all fish stocks within the Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ) are managed sustainably.
