As per the information released by two Russian Federation companies, Vityaz-Avto Co, Ltd and Delta Co, Ltd., mentioning that they have entered the Ozernaya River sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) fishery into full, independent, third-party assessment against the Marine Stewardship Council’s principles and criteria for sustainable and well-managed fisheries. The release also states that after successful completion of the assessment the companies can use blue MSC label on all its products.
This is the eighth Russian Federation fishery to enter assessment and the first on the Kamchatka Peninsula, which accounts for one-fifth of the Russian Federation’s seafood. The fishery is located on the Southwest Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East, in FAO statistical area 61. The fishing season is July – September. In 2009, the companies involved in this assessment accounted for approximately 5 thousand metric tonnes.
According to the companies they use two gear types for commercial fishing. Sockeye salmon are fished with beach seines in the Ozernaya River and fish trap nets are used on the Pacific Ocean coast. In 2009, 88 percent of the catch came from the Ozernaya River. The fishery is managed under Russian federal and state salmon management systems. The commercial market for sockeye salmon from this fishery is primarily Japan, and a portion of the catch also goes to US and European markets.
AleksandrTarasov, the Managing Director of “Vityaz-avto, Ltd.” said that they fishery is well managed and most extensively researched salmon fishery in Russia. He added that the company has welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate the health and sustainability of this important natural resource. Kerry Coughlin, Regional Director, Americas, said the full assessment of Ozernaya River sockeye salmon fishery represents a significant milestone in efforts by Russian fisheries to demonstrate they are operating sustainably and, if successful, certification will bring market advantages to this fishery.
