The Sveriges Pelagiska Producent Organisation (Swedish Pelagic Producers Organisation or SPPO) has entered its North East Atlantic mackerel fishery for full assessment under the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) certification programme.
The fishery comprises 29 purse seine and pelagic trawl vessels and operates from September to December. Its products are sold primarily on the Danish, Norwegian and UK markets. Fishing rights are issued as individual quotas but fishing in groups of up to 10 vessels is allowed and common practice.
Björn Lindblad from the SPPO says: “The majority of the Swedish mackerel quota and all large-scale Swedish mackerel fisheries are now in MSC full assessment. This is a clear expression of the Swedish fishermen taking a long-term perspective to safeguard fish stocks for the future generations. The strong demand for MSC-certified mackerel in the market place is a bonus. Sustainability, market demand and a fishing industry with a common goal – that feels good!”
