The Danish Pelagic Producers’ Organisation (DPPO) North Sea herring fishery has passed its MSC assessment in just 10 months. Following an assessment under the new MSC Fishery Assessment Methodology, newly-accredited independent certifier Det Norske Veritas (DNV), certified DPPO North Sea herring as a sustainable and well-managed fishery.
The DPPO currently has 8 members who catch autumn spawning herring using purse seine and pelagic trawl nets in the North Sea between the UK, Denmark and Norway. In 2008 the fishery’s quota for North Sea herring was 26,195MT. DPPO vessels are also undergoing MSC assessments for the Atlanto-Scandian herring and North East Atlantic mackerel fisheries.
Christian Olesen, Director of the DPPO says: “We are happy to have concluded the process of certification successfully. Now we look forward to be able to sell certified herring in the market.”
Anett Hollum Valsvik, Manager, Food and Beverage for certifier DNV Business Assurance adds: “DNV is pleased having reached our accreditation for MSC Fisheries in just 10 months. Our strong focus on working effectively and efficiently has paid off, and this is of considerable importance for our customers as well. Sustainable business is a key area for DNV and expanding our service portfolio to include MSC Fisheries certification is part of our growth strategy. We see a considerable interest for MSC Fisheries in northern Europe and elsewhere and we are now ready to serve the market globally.”
Nathalie Steins, MSC spokesperson in the MSC Northern Europe office adds: “This is a fantastic achievement by the DPPO fishery and I congratulate them and DNV on their certification in only 10 months. The DPPO’s herring certification will also mean that all North Sea herring in the Dutch market will be eligible to carry the MSC label.”
