Danish North Sea sole fleet is now successfully certified as sustainable against MSC environmental standard for
The members of the Danish Fishermen’s Producer Organization (DFPO) have led this certification process. According to them this is a part of the ambitious plan to secure MSC certification for all Danish fisheries before the end of 2012. With the certification of this fishery 72 percent of DFPOs fisheries have earned MSC certification.
DFPO registered vessels operate all year-round in the central eastern North Sea, which has a one of the highest concentrations of sole (Solea solea). Two different types of gear are used in this fishery namely demersal trawl and set nets, to catch approximately 500 tonnes of sole annually. EU Member States are managing this fishery through a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) system.
Throughout the certification process the fishery has performed well implementing/meeting the conditions set out, such as rebuilding strategies and evidence that the sole stock is rebuilding continuously. The fishery will work with relevant stakeholders to reduce the exploitation rate to an even lower target level, as well as provide clear information regarding its impacts on the seabed.
Kurt S Madsen, chairman, Danish Fishermen’s Producers Organization, said that the MSC label ensures consumers to chose sole and know that they contribute to a sustainable future when it comes to fish and fish products. Minna Epps, regional manager, Baltic Sea, congratulates the fishery on obtaining certification, said that the DFPO should be commended for opening up their practices to such a transparent and rigorous assessment and for their commitment to have all their fisheries engaged in the MSC programme by the end of this year.
