Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has appointed Dr Vassily Spiridonov as its contract representative for the Russian Federation to boost sustainable fisheries in the country. Growing interest from the Russian wild-capture fisheries sector in meeting market demand for independent certification of their products has pushed the appointment of Dr Vassily Spiridonov as MSC representative in Russia. Based in Moscow, Dr Spiridonov will be working with fisheries managers, fishing and processing companies, scientists and conservation organisations throughout Russia, to help them take part in the MSC certification and ecolabelling program.
MSC release shows that Dr. Spiridonov has over 25 years experience in the field of marine biology and ecology. He has held various positions in Russian fisheries management, and previously led the WWF marine program in the Russian federation. Responding to interest from Russian Stakeholders Camiel Derichs, Deputy Director Europe said that Russia is an important producer and consumer of wild caught seafood.
The release also states that the interest by Russian fisheries stakeholders in the MSC program has steadily grown, and has now reached a level where the MSC needs capacity on the ground to assist Russian stakeholders in their pursuit of MSC certification. Dr. Vassily Spiridonov said that he is excited about this opportunity to represent the MSC in Russia. The MSC program has shown tremendous development in recent years. He believes that it is the right time to promote certification as a means of securing sustainable production and new markets for the sector here. The MSC standards stimulate improvement in fisheries management around the globe and can provide the same incentives in Russia.
