Seafish, the authority on seafood, informed that most of the seafood processors are sourcing their scallops from Responsible Fishing Scheme (RFS) vessels after sponsoring four boats through the programme. Coombe Fisheries, which specialises in scallops for the European market and local restaurant trade, has funded four vessels to join the Scheme. The remainder of the vessels supplying the company are already RFS-certified.
Iain Spear, Director of Coombe Fisheries, said joining the Scheme demonstrates that scallop fishers do care about their impact on the environment. He added that achieving RFS certification shows that, with the right methods and knowledge, scallops can still be responsibly sourced. Scallopers joining RFS have to work with relevant authorities to carry out assessments for activities that could affect conservation features and, where possible, join non-statutory schemes to conserve habitats of nature conservation importance.
Mick Bacon, RFS Coordinator, said there are also many simple but effective tools and technologies emerging that can assist scallopers in fishing more responsibly. The Responsible Fishing Scheme was created by Seafish in response to the needs of the seafood supply chain to demonstrate their commitment to the responsible sourcing of seafood. The aim is that over time it will become a condition of supply.
