MSC “received no evidence” of illegal fishing in certified fishery

International organisation The Black Fish carried out over 100 inspections in Swedish fishing ports last year, including near the Kattegat area of sea between northern Denmark and Sweden where the fishery in question operates, and reported finding illegally modified trawl nets.

A spokesperson for the Marine Stewardship Council said, “In addition to meeting our demanding standards for environmental sustainability, MSC certified fisheries must comply with all relevant local, national and international laws.

“The Danish and Swedish Nephrops fishery was certified following an 18 month assessment by independent third party auditors who scrutinised its fishing practices. The Black Fish was encouraged to submit evidence as part of this assessment. However, the certifier did not receive any evidence of illegal fishing for consideration during the assessment and there were no objections raised.

“The fishery will now be audited annually to ensure that it continues to meet the MSC standard – including compliance with all relevant laws. We encourage The Black Fish and any other stakeholders to present their evidence to the certifier so that it can be considered as part of this audit. If, after considering all of the information available, the certifier finds evidence of systematic illegal activity it will take appropriate action.

“We welcome third party input into all assessments to the MSC standard. This is fundamental to ensuring a transparent and thorough assessment of a fishery’s sustainability.”