Following the certification of Danish cod fisheries in 2016, the MSC has given North Sea cod its seal of approval as a sustainable fishery.
UK fishing vessels that are members of the Scottish Fisheries Sustainable Accreditation Group (SFSAG) can land cod that can be sold with the MSC blue tick signifying its sustainable status.
According to Toby Middleton, the MSC’s NE Atlantic Programme Director, the award of certification to North Sea cod marks the end of confusion over cod.
‘If you can see the MSC label on your cod, you know that it has come from a sustainable source. By choosing fish with that label, you will be helping to protect stocks long into the future,’ he said.
‘This is a massive development for the catching sector and is a testament to the power of collective action,’ commented Mike Park, Chairman of the Scottish Fisheries Sustainable Accreditation Group (SFSAG).
‘The years of commitment to rebuilding North Sea cod has shown that fishermen are responsible and can be trusted to deliver stable and sustainable stocks. The consumer can now eat home-caught cod with a clear conscience.’
‘This is a huge accomplishment and the perfect example of what the MSC aims to achieve,’ Toby Middleton added. ‘Thanks to a collaborative, cross-industry effort, one of our most iconic fish has been brought back from the brink. Modified fishing gear, catch controls, well-managed fishing practices – all these steps have come together to revive a species that was in severe decline. And now shoppers and diners can play their part. By only choosing MSC certified sustainable North Sea cod, we can all help to protect this much-loved fish and ensure it’s never at risk again.’
