15 December 2010, Icelandic cod received certification according to the FAO-ISO based Iceland Responsible Fisheries Management Certification Programme. This is an important, and historic milestone for Iceland’s seafood industry and confirmation that the fishery for the nation’s most valuable fish stock is well managed.
The fishery certificate, issued by Global Trust Certification, was accepted at Víkin Maritime Museum in Reykjavik, by two Icelandic children and their grandfather, fishing captain of the ship Örfirisey, on behalf of the fishing industry of Iceland, in the presence of the Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Jón Bjarnason and representatives from the industry. The Fisheries Association of Iceland (FAI) is facilitating the Iceland RFM programme and all players of Iceland’s seafood industry are participating in this proactive endeavour designed to further strengthening the competitiveness and image of this vital industry.
Certification of the cod fisheries is important for Iceland’s economy
Seafood products accounted for 42% of Iceland’s total export value in 2009, amounting to ISK 209 billion (EUR 1.2 billion). Cod is the most valuable fish caught in Icelandic waters representing 36% of total seafood export value. Minister Jón Bjarnason stated at the occasion: “The management of fisheries in Iceland is the responsibility of my ministry. It is essential to have obtained this confirmation that we are living up to the highest standards adopted by international organisations. We anticipate that Icelandic seafood products will continue to be the mainstay of our exports“.
Responsible fisheries management has been the most important factor in the strategic strengthening of the industry for decades. “This certification of cod fisheries will give the market confirmation that we are committed to meeting the highest standards and that we take a leading role in sustainable use of our marine resources” says Eggert Benedikt Gudmundsson, who is Chairman of the Marketing Committee of the Iceland RFM Programme.
The FAO-ISO model for certification a welcome development
Dr. Kristján Thórarinsson, Project Director of the initiative, commented that this is the fruition of over three years of hard work on behalf of the managers, fishermen and stakeholders of Icelandic seafood industry.
“This approach provides third-party verification of responsible management for Icelandic cod fisheries. It also provides an internal benchmark for the management authorities and fishermen of Iceland to rate performance and track improvements” says Kristján.
Global Trust’s international team of experts have assessed the management systems, fishing methods and practices of Iceland’s cod fishery for compliance against the FAO criteria.
Peter Marshall CEO of Global Trust said; “This independent FAO-ISO certification for the Icelandic cod fishery against the FAO requirements clearly demonstrates that this fishery is managed in a responsible manner according to internationally recognised reference points. I would like to congratulate Iceland’s fishery managers and stakeholders alike.”
Peter Marshall continues:”The Global Trust Certification Committee recognised a well managed responsible fishery, based on good science, effective management institutions, robust fishery management plans and responsible fisheries. Details of the certification will be available on the Global Trust website from January 2011.”
The European fish processors association recently launched a document on pillars of sustainability and such endeavours as this in Iceland provide additional means for seafood businesses to seek assurance of responsible seafood sourcing.
About the Iceland Responsible Fisheries Management Programme
Plans for the certification of Icelandic fisheries were officially announced by the Fisheries Association of Iceland in October 2008. The programme is the direct result of pro-active discussions and interaction with fishermen, packers, processors, markets, regulators, standards and certification experts.
The FAO-ISO based Iceland Responsible Fisheries Management Programme is based on the Articles and minimum substantive criteria described in the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and FAO Guidelines for the Eco-labelling of Fish and Fishery Products. These documents have been translated into a straightforward assessment specification by the FAI Technical Committee and incorporated in an ISO 65 based certification programme, administered by Global Trust Certification Ltd.
The assessment made by Global Trust’s team included an in-depth review of the evidence and information across management organisations including the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, Directorate of Fisheries, Marine Research Institute of Iceland, members of the fishery associations, vessel owners, uctions, processors and enforcement agencies, such as the Icelandic Coast Guard. Following peer review, the assessment team made their recommendation for certification to the appointed Certification committee at Global Trust which presided over the assessment documentation before making the final determination to certify the fishery.
The certification covers all sectors of the Icelandic cod fishery to the 200 mile EEZ for all fishing gears, and is available for use by fishermen and handlers of Icelandic cod. A chain of custody certification programme has been implemented to allow handlers to demonstrate traceability back to the certified fishery.
