The Norwegian Northeast Arctic cod and haddock fisheries are, as of yesterday, certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
“We are proud to receive the official certificate from MSC and announce that the Norwegian cod and haddock fisheries’ sustainability is documented by the MSC certification programme. From this day onwards all Norwegian exporters of Northeast Arctic cod and haddock, having gone through an independent Chain of Custody-certification, may use the MSC ecolabel on their products”, says Rigmor Abel, Director of environmental issues with the Norwegian Seafood Export Council.
The news was celebrated at the Norwegian Pavilion at the European Seafood Exposition in Brussels. Upon receiving the official certificate from Moody Marine, Norway will be the world leader in sustainable fisheries as no other seafood nation holds such a broad spectre of third party certifications for fisheries. Norwegian Exporters, buyers of Norwegian Seafood, MSC, NSEC and Moody Marine were present at the celebration.
Norwegian fisheries policy and management are based on the principles of sustainable harvest of the marine living resources. Sustainable harvest depends on healthy marine ecosystems. The Norwegian fisheries management system is founded on a long cultural tradition and implies a comprehensive consultative process where important stakeholders are involved in its decision-making. This management system is also based on long-time marine research which contributes to the Norwegian fisheries role as one of the world’s leading in sustainable management.
Sustainable Norwegian cod and haddock fisheries
The Northeast Arctic cod is the largest and strongest cod stock in the world, and together with the Northeast Arctic haddock it represents enduring traditions and a resource-based way of life along the Norwegian coast. These fisheries also constitute important parts of food-traditions around the world, being exported fresh and frozen and as products like clip fish, stockfish and salt fish.
Other schemes as KRAV and Friend of the Sea have also certified Norwegian fisheries as sustainable. KRAV has certified the Norwegian fisheries of cod, haddock and prawns. Friend of the Sea has certified the Norwegian prawns fisheries.
