According to the press release Seafood Shetland and SSMG has jointly entered MSC assessment programme and if successful their products will be able to use prestigious MSC label. The fishery produces blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) grown on static ropes suspended in the clean waters around Shetland and the Scottish coast. At present, most of the mussels are sold in UK supermarkets, foodservice and an increasing European export market.
The fishery was supported with the £200,000 Sustainable Fishing Fund which was created in 2008 to improve the sustainability of UK fisheries. This partnership with SSMG was a logical move given that much of Shetland’s mussel tonnage is sold through SSMG. Chief executive of Seafood Shetland, Ruth Henderson, said that they welcome SSMG and would love to work with them. He added that they are very grateful for the financial support received through the LEADER programme, which supported the cost of Pre-Assessment.
Stephen Cameron, managing director of SSMG continued saying that by undergoing the MSC’s independent assessment process, they will provide their members with the opportunity to reach new markets at home and overseas; particularly in sectors seeking producers who can demonstrate their sustainable and responsible working practices. Claire Pescod, UK Fishery Outreach Manager for the MSC, said that it is good to know that these two have jointly decided to enter their fisheries for MSC assessment. This is the first Scottish enhanced fishery to enter the MSC programme. It’s great to see such a large part of the Scottish mussel industry moving forward to prove their sustainability credentials.
