What ANOPCERCO says
Humberto Jorge, non executive President of the ANOPCERCO commented: ‘Our experience over the past 17 months has been extremely positive. The MSC assessment process has allowed us to reopen the debate on the sustainable management of fishery resources not only within the fishing industry, but also externally. Fishers and commercial partners have shown a keen interest throughout the process. They have understood what is at stake and how they can benefit from MSC certification. It is a win-win situation for all of us. The MSC gives us the chance to show the world how committed to sustainability we are. The credibility of the fishing sector as a whole will benefit from this MSC certification and it will, we hope, contribute to raising awareness among Portuguese consumers that the choices they make in the marketplace have an impact upon the future of the world’s oceans.’
Mr Jorge added: “MSC assessment has given us a unique opportunity to review our management systems, to detect flaws and our strengths. Beyond the certification, this helped us reconsider the future of our fishery and set targets for improved cooperation within the Portuguese fishing industry and with our stakeholders.”
Long-standing fishery
The sardine fishery is one of the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula. The Portuguese fishery can be traced back to Roman times and has been in continuous operation since at least the 14th century. Fishing takes place within the inner continental shelf off mainland Portugal (usually at depths of 15-70 metres). The three most important landing harbours – Matosinhos, Peniche and Figueira da Foz – are all located north of Lisbon.
Annual landings
Annual sardine landings of over 50,000 mt have been recorded for over a century, peaking in the 1960s with more than 300 fishing vessels landings in excess of 150,000 mt. Since then landings have reduced, averaging 64,600 mt in the period 1998-2007. Recent years have seen the introduction of limits on fishing effort with a consequent gradual reduction in the size of the fleet to the current figure of about 130 purse seiners.
Following a rigorous 17-month independent assessment, the fishery has been shown to be within safe biological limits. The assessment team was satisfied that fishing is taking place in such a way that the productivity of the stocks is being protected, and that the fishery has minimal impacts on the wider marine ecosystem.
What the MSC says:
Rupert Howes, MSC’s Chief Executive, said: “I congratulate the Portuguese purse seine fishers on this certification, which is testament to their foresight and commitment to sustainability. Sardine is an iconic fish, of great cultural significance for Portuguese people and the sardine fishers of today are carrying on a centuries’ old tradition of good management of this important resource. This commitment to sustainable fishing is helping to ensure a long and profitable future for their industry and I am sure that, with the MSC ecolabel and the increasing demand for certified sustainable seafood, they will find new markets for their fish.”
An event is held tomorrow in the fishing town of Peniche to celebrate this important milestone.
