The Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group (SPSG) North Sea herring fishery is the first Scottish pelagic fishery to be certified as a sustainable and well-managed fishery under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard. The group has half a dozen local processors already holding MSC’s Chain of Custody traceability certification, consumers across Europe will soon be able to buy Scottish herring and herring products bearing the coveted MSC eco-label.
Derek Duthie, SPSG Secretary, told that the SPSG has been successful in bringing together all Scottish fishermen and processors in a cooperative project, to achieve MSC certification. He added that this fishery is the first large-scale fishery in the UK to comply with the exacting MSC standard. He also said this is a notable achievement for the Scottish pelagic industry and underlines our commitment to sustainable fisheries.
Rupert Howes, Chief Executive of the MSC, explained that the Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group led the recent influx of Scottish fisheries into the MSC programme. He is delighted to see their herring fishery certified. According to him SPSG is a significant fishery both in size and location and the certification means that international consumers will soon be able to buy Scottish-caught and processed MSC certified herring and kippers.
