|
Food Certification International (FCI), the independent accredited certification body, has certified the first ever Spanish fishery to achieve the MSC Sustainable Fishing Standard in a move that underlines the growing importance of independent third-party certification in global fisheries.
The MSC sustainable fishing certification was awarded to Pescafria-Pesquera Rodríguez for its Barents Sea cod fishery, which as well as being the first Spanish fishery to be awarded the MSC standard, is also the first time an EU cod fishery in this northern sea area has achieved the distinction.
For over a year, fisheries experts from FCI carefully assessed the fishery against the three environmental principles of sustainable fish stocks, environmental impact on the marine ecosystem, and the effective management of fishing operations. The subsequent award of the MSC Sustainable Fishing Standard now means that cod harvested by the Spanish fishing company can be sold under the Pescafria brand accompanied by the widely sought MSC eco-label.
Dr. Antonio Hervas, the Spanish based Business Development Manager for FCI, said: “Pesquera Rodríguez has demonstrated that the way they operate is at the level of the most credible sustainability standard, the MSC. This is a result of their commitment and belief in sustainability as an important part of fishing as a business. I hope that the MSC certificate will help Pesquera Rodríguez to gain advantage in the market place.”
Martin Gill, FCI Managing Director, commented: “FCI is delighted to have been involved in the assessment and certification of the first Spanish fishery to achieve the MSC standard. It underlines our involvement with the Spanish industry following the opening of our office in Almeria and reflects a growing interest from the Spanish fishing sector of the relevance of the MSC standard.”
FCI is now the second largest certifier in the world in terms of number of MSC full assessments being undertaken. As well numerous fisheries throughout Europe, FCI has assessed or is currently assessing, fisheries in several other parts of the world including Canada, Gambia, Suriname, St. Helena and northern Russia.
Should people be 'stimulated' to eat white fish alternatives to cod?
