The German North Sea saithe trawl fishery has successfully completed the assessment to the MSC’s environmental standard for well-managed and sustainable fisheries. It is said that the assessment was independent which found the saithe stock to be on a healthy level, concluded low by-catch rates and limited impacts on the seabed and confirmed a sound management system.
It is said that North Sea saithe have already reported increased interest in their catch thanks to the certification. According to the company it targets saithe in the waters around south Norway, the Faroe Islands and Iceland. Its eight vessels catch about 12,000 tonnes of saithe per year.
The company revealed that the boats are equipped with so-called “Dynema” nets, which are about 16 times lighter than conventional nylon nets. The mouths of the nets are equipped with rock hopper wheels and footropes rather than heavy steel chains. The fishers tow their nets above stony ground, which has a low susceptibility to damage. It si told that the way the fishery is operated results in limited impacts on the seabed.
Kai-Arne Schmidt, Director of “Erzeugergemeinschaft der Hochsee – und Kutterfischer GmbH” in Germany’s Cuxhaven, said that the fishing industry needs to change dramatically. MSC’s Chief Executive, Rupert Howes, commented that with a population of well over 80 million and a high awareness of environmental issues, Germany is a key market for us.
