Eibhlin O’Sullivan, CEO of the Irish South & West Fish Producers Organisation and speaking on behalf of the IPSA express pleasure over the wining of MSC label for ISPA mackerel fishery. He said that the Irish Polyvalent Fleet is really pleased to have achieved MSC certification ahead of the 2010 fishing season. This Certification award recognises the high standards of governance and environmental performance under which the fishery operates, says O’Sullivan.
He also states that having MSC label means that the customers will be able to order ISPA mackerel with confidence that IPSA fishing practices contribute to sustainability. Mackerel is a key species for the Irish Polyvalent Fleet and Ireland’s seafood export market, supplying fish into European markets as well as Russia and Africa.
According to O’Sullivan the fishery is supported by an Environmental Management System (EMS) onboard IPSA vessels, displays a low level of recorded by-catch in recent years and has no negative interactions with protected species. He said that IPSA vessels support the rational and sustainable exploitation of the fishery resources and to this end is always looking to the future.
Toby Middleton, Country Manager for the MSC, opined that with its MSC certificate, the IPSA and Irish Polyvalent Fleet has demonstrated its sustainability and its ongoing commitment to sustainable fishing practices and management.
