The Icelandic exporting company Sæmark’s cod and haddock fisheries was the first Icelandic fisheries that won prestigious MSC blue ecolabel for its products. The fisheries have successfully completed independent assessment against the MSC standard for sustainable and well-managed fisheries.
According to the press information the Sæmark fleet catches cod and haddock year-round using long-lines, handlines, and Danish seines mainly off the west and north-west coasts of Iceland. The main markets of this fishery are UK, USA and continental Europe. Salted fish is exported to Spain, Italy and Greece.
Svavar Þór Guðmundsson, Managing Director of Sæmark Seafoods Ltd, said that there is increasing market demand for MSC certified seafood and the company is looking forward to meeting that demand. He believes the MSC certification will help boost their existing business in key markets like the UK and the USA as well as increase their sales in new markets.
Rupert Howes, CEO of MSC, says this certification represents an historic step both for the MSC and the Icelandic fishing industry. He also said that both cod and haddock have been of great economic value throughout Iceland’s proud fishing history and Sæmark’s pioneering efforts have resulted in independent recognition of the long-term sustainability of its cod and haddock fisheries.
