Following the successful certification of this fishery, 87% of the total Irish mackerel quota (66,070 MT) is now eligible to carry the MSC eco-label. The boats included in the certificate use refrigerated sea water tanks to keep the fish fresh and all of the fishery’s landings are used for human consumption. Most of the landings are processed locally before being exported as frozen product to Japan, Russia, Eastern Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, or to intermediate markets in Western Europe and South East Asia.
Sean O’Donoghue, IPSG member and Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation Ltd said: “We are delighted to be awarded our MSC certificate as a sustainable and well managed fishery. It is critical to us that fish stocks remain sustainable into the future. Today’s announcement represents a significant milestone for the Irish fishing industry. The RSW mackerel fishery is very important to the local processors who provide much needed jobs for the community.”
Sean O’Donoghue added: “We have worked very hard to promote sustainable fishing practices in Ireland because we believe this is in the best interest of the resource and the long term viability of our fishing fleet. Irish mackerel bearing the distinctive blue MSC eco-label will be distributed from today and we very much hope MSC certification will create new market opportunities all over the world as demand for MSC certified and labelled product continues to grow.”
Andrew Mallison MSC’s Standards and Licensing Director said: “On behalf of the MSC, I would like to congratulate the IPSG for their achievement. The MSC Standard serves to acknowledge and reward responsible management practices and I am confident the north-east Atlantic mackerel fishery will benefit from the fast growing demand for certified sustainable seafood. As the first Irish fishery to become certified, IPSG has taken a leadership position that I hope will inspire other Irish fisheries to follow and enter the MSC programme. ”
A team of experts from the accredited certifier, Food Certification International Ltd conducted an independent assessment of the RSW mackerel fishery. The experts examined the status of the fish stock, the impact fishing has on the marine environment and the effectiveness of the fishery management system.
