The US Pacific hake fishery has recently been independently certified as well-managed and sustainable according to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) sustainability standard.
The largest fishery on the West Coast, the US Pacific hake midwater trawl fishery is conducted in federal waters that extend out to 200 miles off the coasts of Washington, Oregon and California. The fish is also known as Pacific whiting in many international markets.
The sustainability certification resulted from a comprehensive two-year scientific assessment of the fishery by a team of independent fisheries scientists.
The exhaustive review reaffirms that the Pacific Fishery Management Council and National Marine Fisheries Service manage this fishery responsibly, and adjust its management to address changing environmental conditions. This certification is also a reflection of an industry that promotes and supports regulatory actions that ensure healthy fishery stocks.
“The determination by the MSC is an important independent validation of how the Pacific hake fishery is managed responsibly by a progressive fishery management system,” said Jan Jacobs, President of the Pacific Whiting Conservation Cooperative (PWCC). “This action provides assurance to consumers around the world that products supplied from the Pacific hake fishery are best choices for seafood.”
