Just as fears surface of Atlantic cod as a whole becoming branded unsustainable by the US government, in spite of the existence of numerous cod stocks that are in excellent condition, Canadian P3 cod has been MSC certified and recognised as meeting the criteria for sustainable fisheries.
The 3Ps cod stock inhabits a small area south of Newfoundland and this stock is managed as distinct and separated from neighbouring stocks, isolated by geographical characteristics. Stock surveys show that populations in the southern Newfoundland 3Ps area have recovered faster than in other areas and are returning to healthy levels, making it possible to certify the cod stock in that particular region, while remaining under strict management procedures.
The 2J3KL cod stock (often called northern cod) in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region, and the 3NO cod stock on the Grand Banks have remained under a fishing moratorium since 1992.
‘We are proud of the work completed by everyone involved in the journey to achieving MSC certification for 3Ps cod,’ said Alberto Wareham, CEO of Icewater Seafoods Ltd, a member of the client group for the MSC certification. ‘As the seventh generation of my family working in this fishery, sustainability is important to us. I know it is also important to our customers and we are confident that the MSC certification will provide the assurance that our cod comes from a sustainable and well-managed source. It will also help the fishery remain sustainable through the natural ecosystem variations experienced off our coasts.’
‘Currently almost all major species in the OCI portfolio are MSC certified, and we are extremely pleased to add this key species from the local fishery to our engagement in the MSC programme,’ said Martin Sullivan, CEO of Ocean Choice International and also a member of the client group for the certification. ‘We are keen to see continued recovery of other cod stocks in waters adjacent to Newfoundland and Labrador.’
Hundreds of fishers and plant workers along the south coast of Newfoundland depend on cod for their livelihoods. Cod from 3Ps is primarily sold in Europe and North America, and Icewater Seafoods has been working closely with retailers in the UK where both cod and the MSC ecolabel are sought by consumers.
‘We are extremely happy to witness the turning of a page in the long-running history of this Canadian fishery,’ said Jay Lugar, Programme Director for MSC in Canada. ‘The MSC is pleased to provide a platform for all participants to enhance sustainability and good management of important Canadian fisheries and congratulates the client group for succeeding with MSC certification for 3Ps cod.’
