Two of Europe’s largest fisheries were today certified as sustainable. The Norwegian North Sea saithe and Norwegian North East Arctic saithe fisheries were the first Norwegian fisheries to enter the MSC assessment process. Subject to MSC Chain of Custody certification, saithe from the fisheries is now eligible to carry the MSC eco-label on fish and products marking it out as fish from a sustainable and well-managed source.
Tove Sleipnes, Marketing manager, whitefish for the Norwegian Seafood Export Council says: “Saithe is often referred to as “the fish lover’s fish”, having been a well-kept secret among seafood aficionados who have long valued its distinctive taste and firm texture. Now that consumers are opening their eyes to this species, the Norwegian Seafood Export Council is pleased to see that the sustainability of the fishery is verified by the MSC. Seafood lovers may now indulge in their new favourite fish, reassured that it is abundant and sustainable.”
Audun Maråk, Chief Executive of The Norwegian Fishing Vessels Owners Association adds:
“The eco-labelling of Norwegian saithe is an important measure to document to the markets that the Norwegian harvesting is legal and sustainable. Norwegian fisheries management is globally recognized as first class, but this is the first Norwegian fishery to achieve a certificate from an independent third party”.
Maråk continues: “The eco label from MSC will – in the first instance – be particularly valuable for the sale of Norwegian saithe in markets where consumers already demand eco-labelling of seafood. The Norwegian Fishing Vessel Owners Association, who initiated the eco-labelling of Norwegian saithe, to day is proud and pleased with the outcome.”
Rupert Howes, Chief Executive of the Marine Stewardship Council says: “I am delighted that these pioneering Norwegian saithe fisheries have been certified and I am proud to be presenting the fishery with its certificate on behalf of the certifier – Moody Marine. This is a milestone event – the first Norwegian fisheries to become MSC certified and the first saithe fisheries anywhere in the world to become MSC certified. Potentially, 266,000 tonnes of saithe are now certified providing a major new supply of certified sustainable whitefish. This is great news for the fisheries and great news for retailers, processors and consumers who are increasingly demanding sustainable seafood choices. Saithe is predicted to be the next ‘big thing’ in the UK and other key European markets and we wish Fiskebat every success in maximising the market benefits MSC certification can bring.”
Four further Norwegian fisheries – Domstein Longliner Partners North East Arctic Cod and Haddock, North east Atlantic mackerel, Norwegian North Sea and Skagerrak Herring and Norwegian Spring Spawning Herring – are also currently in assessment.
