The Barents Sea fisheries are international fisheries that are within the Norwegian and Russian Exclusive Economic Zones (within 200 miles of the Norwegian and Russian coasts). They are managed by the Joint Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Commission which sets quotas and stipulates reciprocal access to fisheries in national zones and quota exchanges for joint as well as national stocks.
The independent MSC accredited certifier Food Certification International (FCI) will oversee this full assessment and is now in the process of contacting organizations and individuals with an interest in the fisheries.
Gunnar Mansfeld, Ocean Trawlers CEO said: “Everyone within Ocean Trawlers’ supply chain has worked very hard to ensure that we could reach a successful completion of the pre-assessment. A positive recommendation for full assessment is a major breakthrough and recognition of the work the main suppliers have done in the Barents Sea.”
The MSC certification process provides objective, third-party fishery assessment utilizing scientific evidence; transparent processes with built-in stakeholder consultation and objection procedures, as well as standards based on the sustainability of target species, ecosystems and management procedures.
If Ocean Trawlers completes the MSC full assessment and traceability certification successfully it will have the right to label cod and haddock harvested in these certified Barents Sea operations from its main suppliers with the MSC logo.
Camiel Derichs, Manager for Northern Europe of the Marine Stewardship Council said: “The Russian and Norwegian fisheries management, as well as the fishing industry, has made great progress in addressing illegal unreported and unregulated fishing in the Barents Sea. Cod and Haddock stocks are currently at very high levels and I hope that Ocean Trawlers group can demonstrate full traceability and sustainability during the assessment process and become MSC certified.”
