New Zealand’s seafood industry is being formally recognised this week for the efforts it has made in recent years to reach high standards of environmental good practice, by achieving the accreditation of its albacore tuna, hoki and southern blue whiting fisheries via the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
These fisheries have been subject to rigorous, independent third party assessment to gain MSC certification. MSC certification independently verifies that these fisheries are being managed sustainably and to the world’s best standards said George Clement, Chief Executive of the Deepwater Group.
The rigour of the assessment cannot be underestimated. It doesn’t stop there either. There is tight policing of ongoing performance to ensure these fisheries continue to meet the standard, he continued.
The MSC certification will be officially announced at a reception held by the Deepwater Group, the Tuna Management Association, MSC and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
These fisheries have used good management practices to safeguard jobs and secure these precious renewable resources into the future, said Rupert Howes, MSC’s Chief Executive. I’m particularly excited to congratulate the hoki fishery which has been certified as sustainable by MSC for a third time and was one of the first white fish fisheries in the world to enter our programme.
Scott Gallacher, MPI’s Deputy Director General Resource Management and Programmes, asserted that the Ministry is committed to exploiting NZ’s fisheries sustainably and fully supports the public review and endorsement of its management practices offered by the MSC certification.
Certification of the New Zealand albacore troll fishery reiterates New Zealand’s resolve and continued commitment to managing all fish stocks within our Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ) in a sustainable manner, while ensuring these fisheries are environmentally sustainable, added Doug Saunders-Loder, president of the Tuna Management Association.
The MSC certification victory follows a three-year assessment of the three stocks in question, and is receiving support by fisheries companies Sanford, Sealord and the Talley’s Group as well, The Southland Times reports.
New Zealand challenger scallops, ling and hake are being assessed at this time in hopes of also receiving MSC certification.
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