Norwegian trawler operators have committed to a series of initiatives designed to mitigate the effects of fishing gears on ocean floor species.
These measures include freezing the trawl footprint to historically affected grounds, improving mapping of habitat-bottom-impacts to identify sensitive habitats, and making a far-reaching commitment to avoid impacts on vulnerable habitats. The move is seen as a bold one that will also help NOrwegian operators to be prepared for a transition to meeting MSCs new standards (Certification Requirements 2.0) in the years to come.
The new MSC requirements set high expectations on fisheries to avoid habitat impacts, particularly in Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs).
According to the MSC, it was recognised during the re-certification of the Norwegian fishery in October 2015 that as the fisheries follow the historically large cod stock into its wider (more northerly) foraging grounds in the Barents Sea, new habitats could become subject to undesirable impacts. This led to a new ‘habitat impact’ condition as part of the MSC certification. Since that re-certification the fisheries in the area have continued and accelerated their activity to generate better understanding of habitat impacts of trawl fishing.
‘The Norwegian fishing fleet has long traditions in taking a precautionary approach to ensure sustainable harvesting of the marine resources and in minimising the footprints of the fishing activities,’ said Jan Ivar Maråk, Vice President of Resources at vessel owners’ federation Fiskebåt. ‘We now are in a process with MSC and Norwegian authorities to pinpoint the most vulnerable areas in the northern Arctic.’
According to Camiel Derichs, MSC’s Director Europe, Barents Sea cod fisheries have long been recognised as beong well managed and sustainable.
‘The way that the industry has accelerated its work on habitat protection is testament to the long term commitment of these fisheries to sustainable fishing. The Barents Sea and the Arctic ecosystems are amongst the most productive marine ecosystems in the world, and these fisheries provide healthy sustainable seafood for billions of people,’ he said. ‘It is obviously in the long-term interest of the fishing industry to continue finding a sound balance between socio-economic benefits, and environmental sustainability. Healthy ocean floors are a key part of that, since these often act as birth chambers and nursery grounds for important fish populations, fuelling food production for this and future generations.’
The MSC certified Norwegian and Russian Barents Sea cod fisheries from 2010 onwards. Independent MSC certification confirmed the healthy stocks and sound management in place in Norway and Russia to manage cod stocks for future generations. The MSC states that it also recognised the robust management approach in place to protect the ecosystem and habitats in the Barents Sea.
