As a result of a comprehensive two-year scientific assessment of the Pacific hake fishery and a three-month review of an objection the certifier’s finds that the fishery meets the MSC standard. But an Independent Adjudicator has confirmed the certifier’s original determination that the fishery meets the MSC standard on all three Principles and should be certified.
MSC has now asked the certifier to forward a Final Report and Determination to them concluding that the Pacific hake mid-water trawl fishery meets the MSC standard and should be certified. Commenting on this, the Independent Adjudicator, Michael Lodge, wrote that having heard arguments from all parties, supported by written submissions and supporting documentation, he find that the grounds for objection are not made out and there is no basis to remand the Determination to the certification body for further consideration.
Lodge also told that he confirm the Final Report and Determination issued by TAVEL Certification Inc. on 19 May 2009. It is said that based on the conclusions of the Independent Adjudicator, once final MSC procedural steps are concluded and the certifier issues a certificate, the fishery will be certified per the certifier’s Final Report and Determination.
Oceana and Monterey Bay Aquarium have jointly filed the objection in the Pacific hake fishery on June 10, 2009, during the formal objections period of the fishery’s assessment. In his findings on the hake fishery, the Independent Adjudicator addressed objectors’ concern that documents relating to the 2009 stock assessment were available prior to release of the final report and should have been considered.
