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Sæmark, fresh fish product exporters in Iceland, has recently been awarded Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for its cod and haddock fisheries. These are the first fisheries in Iceland to achieve MSC certification and cod and haddock caught by the Sæmark fishing fleet will be the first Icelandic cod and haddock, eligible to carry the internationally recognised, blue MSC ecolabel.
The Sæmark fleet catches cod and haddock year-round using long-lines, handlines, and Danish seines mainly off the west and north-west coasts of Iceland. The MSC certificate includes 22 boats supplying four fish-processing companies associated with Sæmark Seafood Ltd. Once landed, MSC-certified fresh and frozen cod and haddock will be exported to its main markets in the United States, United Kingdom, and continental Europe. Salted fish is exported to Spain, Italy and Greece.
Svavar Þór Guðmundsson, managing director of Sæmark Seafoods Ltd, said: "There is increasing market demand for MSC certified seafood and we are looking forward to meeting that demand. We believe the MSC certification of our cod and haddock fisheries will support Sæmark’s existing business in key markets like the United Kingdom and the United States as well as increase our sales in new markets. In addition, obtaining MSC certification will enable us to communicate our commitment to sustainability, which is vital in today's seafood business."
Sæmark has a strong business relationship with its six main associates in the Icelandic fishing and fish processing industry
“This certification represents an historic step both for the MSC and the Icelandic fishing industry", says Rupert Howes, Chief Executive of the Marine Stewardship Council. "Both cod and haddock have been of great economic value throughout Iceland’s proud fishing history and Sæmark’s pioneering efforts have resulted in independent recognition of the long-term sustainability of its cod and haddock fisheries. I firmly believe that Sæmark’s MSC certification will give them an edge in a global market, which, more and more, demands independent assurance of sustainability. Iceland is one of the world’s great fishing nations and I look forward to a long and productive partnership with its fishing community".
About Sæmark Seafood Ltd.
Sæmark was established in 1985 as a subsidiary of the Icelandic Freezing Plants Corporation. In 1999 the holding company turned to export of frozen seafood exclusively and Sigurður Björnsson created Sæmark Seafood Ltd.
The company has developed a strong business relationship with major organisations in the Icelandic fishing and fish processing industry. This relationship and a powerful transportation network have made it possible for Sæmark Seafood to deliver fresh fish on daily basis to the US, UK and continental Europe.
Source: MSC/Sæmark Seafoods Ltd
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