Scientists in Russia, Norway and Iceland are reporting that cod and haddock stocks have grown significantly in the North Atlantic. It comes as a surprise to many that less than 5% of the UK’s supply of Atlantic cod is coming from UK’s coastal waters of the North Sea. The majority is actually being supplied from Russian, Norwegian and Icelandic waters of the North Atlantic.
Atlantic cod remains the biggest source for the UK’s famous dish, the Fish and Chips. Consumers can rest assured that Atlantic cod will continue to be supplied from responsibly and sustainably managed fisheries for years to come. The cod stocks in the Arctic waters of the North Atlantic are currently bigger than they have been for decades. The spawning biomass in Russia and Norway is now bigger than it has been for a very long time.
It is great news for all of us that scientist have now recommended that harvesters are allowed to catch more than 1 million metric tons of Atlantic cod for the first time this century. At the same time the haddock stock in Norwegian and Russian waters has more than tripled in size over the past decade. The success is due to the responsible management of fisheries in these waters and favourable environmental conditions.
It is worth mentioning that according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) advisory list, Barents Sea Cod is placed in the Green category. This means that from a sustainability point of view, it is safe for customers to buy and eat Atlantic cod from this harvesting area, which actually makes up for the biggest part of the overall supply.
As the major supplier of Wild Fresh Frozen at Sea cod and haddock from the North Atlantic, Ocean Trawlers recognizes that responsible and sustainable fisheries are of fundamental importance for the future of the resource. The company has received MSC certification for its Atlantic cod and haddock fisheries which confirms its commitment to consistently supplying its customers with these premium species.
The MSC has been the leading organisation for certification of fisheries across the globe, its ecolabel recognises and rewards sustainable fishing. MSC works with fisheries, seafood companies, scientists, conservation groups and the public to promote the best environmental choice in seafood.
