According to MSC a native oyster fishery in the Blackwater River in Essex, UK has started the independent assessment. It is told that if assessment succeeds then the fishery will be certified as a sustainable and well-managed fishery. It is informed that fishermen on the Blackwater catch around 60MT of oysters each year both by hand and by using dredges.
The assessment is run by the Tollesbury and Mersea Native Oyster Fishery Company Ltd. It is told that oyster fishing in the Mersea area dates back to Roman times and records of sailing smacks used for oyster dredging date back to the 1700s. Dr Theresa Redding from CoastNet is liaising between the fishery and the certifiers for the assessment.
Redding said that this oyster fishery is well known nationally and to achieve success through the MSC scheme will only highlight the Company’s commitment to sustainability and good management. It is informed that CoastNet’s role is to facilitate a smooth assessment process and remove the burden of gathering information from the fishermen and to support them where necessary.
Toby Middleton, MSC UK Commercial Manager also told that the assessment of this historic fishery will raise a great deal of interest among the increasing number of restaurateurs.
