The Sveriges Pelagiska Producent Organisation (Swedish Pelagic Producers Organisation or SPPO) North Sea and Baltic herring and sprat fisheries have entered full assessment under the Marine Stewardship Council standard for sustainable and well-managed fisheries. If the fisheries are successful, products from the fisheries will be allowed to display the MSC eco-label.
The SPPO North Sea and Baltic herring and sprat fisheries are composed of three separate fisheries: The North Sea Autumn Spawners (herring) fishery fishes the same stock as several other fisheries currently under MSC assessment as well as the certified North Sea herring fishery and Hastings Pelagic Fleet fishery. The Skagerrak Western Baltic (herring) fishery and Baltic Sea multi-spawner sprat fisheries fish in an area between Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
Bjørn Lindblad from the SPPO says: “It is very important for our vessels to be able to deliver certified herring and sprat. We think that very soon buyers in Europe will only buy certified fish. It is also necessary for us to show that our members will take responsibility for a sustainable fishery.”
Chris Ninnes, Operations Director of the MSC says: “I am very pleased by the SPPO’s decision to enter these Swedish fisheries into MSC assessment. Consumers, particularly in northern Europe, are increasingly looking for independent assurance that their fish has been caught sustainably. The MSC eco-label – backed by independent fisheries certification and solid traceability – provides that assurance. I look forward to hearing of the SPPO fisheries’ progress through the full assessment process.”
