Scottish haddock fishermen are hoping to extend their MSC certified status through to 2020, as scientists gathered to examine the fleet’s performance on Tuesday.
The move follows a recent independent report highlighting the benefits of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification to the £26.6 million Scottish haddock industry.
Over 23,000 tonnes of North Sea haddock was landed last year and the report, by Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management, showed that 30-40% carried the blue MSC label. Following the initial certification in 2010, UK supermarket Sainsbury’s began sourcing MSC certified Scottish haddock. Certification also helped the Scottish industry secure markets in Canada, with frozen food specialist Jane’s continuing to choose Scottish haddock to help meet its commitment to selling MSC certified fish.
The Scottish haddock fleet has a reputation for sustainability and they have continued to make improvements through their first MSC certification. Twenty of the 192 boats have installed CCTV to help with monitoring catches and the whole fleet has improved its fishing gear reducing bycatches of cod and spur dog. The Scottish haddock industry has a long history of sustainable fishing, with industry leader, Mike Park receiving an award from WWF in 2011 for encouraging sustainable fishing practices in Scotland and beyond.
Claire Pescod, from the MSC, congratulated the Scottish haddock fleet on their latest step: "Few fisheries in the world have reached the standard set by the Scottish haddock fleet. Their work over the past five years of MSC certification really shows their commitment to sustainability and responsible management.”
