Media report says that this joint approach to fishery certification is a step forward to progress. The FROM Nord, the producers’ organisation of which both companies are members, will support and facilitate the MSC certification process. According to the organization it has all the French quota for cod (Gadus morhua) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) in the northeast Arctic Ocean, a quota which it shares annually between the Compagnie des Pêches Saint Malo and Euronor.
Euronor’s saithe fishery was the first French fishery to achieve MSC certification and the Compagnie des Pêches Saint Malo is currently undergoing assessment for certification of its own saithe fishery. Thierry Missonnier, Director of FROM Nord, said that they support their members’ efforts to achieve MSC certification. He added that this is an extension of their efforts to manage their fishing resource sustainably.
He further said that this joint approach is evidence of our will to strengthen our management policies. Xavier Leduc, Euronor CEO, commented that they want to be in a position to offer a wider range of MSC certified products and help this relatively new ecolabel to develop throughout France. The success of their eco-certification is linked to the MSC’s success in France in that by renewing their commitment and diversifying their range to reach wider French consumers.
Martine Edouard, Communications Manager of the Compagnie des Pêches Saint Malo also added that French consumers are becoming increasingly aware of environmental issues and we want to be able to provide them with scientific proof of our sustainability by means of an independent certification which is recognised worldwide. Edouard Le Bart, MSC Manager for France, adds “EURONOR and the Compagnie des Pêches Saint Malo have already become involved in the MSC certification program with saithe, and their desire to bring about a common certification covering two new species, namely cod and haddock, is a vote of confidence in the MSC.
