Retailers around the world are demanding fisheries product with a Marine Stewardship Council logo showing environmental sustainability. But the lobster fishermen on P.E.I. are realizing the importance and seeking the same. It is evident that many of the world’s fisheries have become certified by MSC. Ed Frenette, executive director the P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association, said that there is an evaluation on about 80 different points and you’re rated on those. You have to get a certain percentage before you’re given a full eco-certification.
It is explained that the P.E.I. lobster industry has had a preliminary assessment that shows changes would have to be made to get the eco-label. According to Frenette P.E.I. needs to work on being able to trace lobster from the water to stores around the world. He also said that if the fishery fails to get certificate then it will have ramifications. He opined that if eco-friendly certificate does not acquire in the next couple of years then the lobster fishery will lose markets and therefore no sale for fish.
Frenette informed that the cost of getting certified would be no less than $200,000 and take 10 months. He is also hoping the federal and provincial governments will help pay. P.E.I. Fisheries Minister Neil LeClair said MSC certification deserves a look. He also told that if the Europeans are going to use the MSC certification as a guideline for buying our product. The first step will be to get fishermen to agree to go ahead with the certification process, says Frenette.
