The Orkney Creel Fishery has become the first fishery to achieve certification under the Community Catch Standard, marking a significant milestone for small-scale fisheries and seafood markets globally.
‘For many years, responsible fishing communities have been working hard to gain recognition and access to the seafood market,’ said Community Catch CEO Linda Wood.
‘Community Catch provides credible, affordable, and accessible recognition which is independently verified and fit for purpose for small-scale fisheries.’
The certification follows a comprehensive independent assessment conducted by NSF, a globally recognised Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) that provides certification and auditing services across environmental, social and sustainability standards. Acting independently of Community Catch, NSF evaluated the fishery’s performance against the requirements of the Community Catch Standard and verified its compliance with the programme’s social and environmental criteria.
The fishery targets brown crab, European lobster and velvet crab using traditional creel fishing methods in waters around the Orkney Islands. This certification recognises the fishery’s commitment to responsible fishing practices, environmental stewardship, crew welfare and support for local coastal communities.
‘We are delighted that Orkney Creel fishery is the first in the world to achieve this recognition after years of commitment, dedication and determination to have their fishery acknowledged for its responsible management. We hope this serves as an inspiration to other small-scale fisheries looking to validate their practices and demonstrate their credentials to global markets,’ Linda Wood said.
‘We would like to thank everyone who has worked hard to achieve the highest level of recognition. We wish the fishery, Orkney Crab Company and the Orkney community who rely on it every success in the future.’
