ALASKAN sablefish, also known as black cod, has become the 19th fishery to become certified as well managed and sustainable according to the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) international fishery certification and eco-labelling programme. In total, over 40 fisheries worldwide are engaged in the MSC environmental programme, representing more than three million tons of seafood.

Following a detailed independent assessment of the fishery against the MSC’s Principles and Criteria for sustainable fishing, Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) – an independent certification body accredited by the MSC – has issued a certificate to the non profit corporation called Eat on the Wild Side sponsored by Fishing Vessel Owners Association (FVOA) and the Deep Sea Fishermen Union, both of which represent longline crews and vessel owners. Alaskan sablefish products may now carry the blue MSC eco-label – the international sign for sustainable seafood for consumers. The eco-label can be found on more than 300 seafood products sold in retail chains in 26 countries.

“The fishermen from Alaska wanted to acquire MSC certification as they thought it would be of great help in marketing sablefish in North America. Currently 95 percent of the sablefish is exported to Asia and our hope is that we can put 7 to 10 percent of the production into North American consumption to help stabilize our prices. The MSC label is considered the gold standard of green endorsements and that’s what our members wanted for this great product,” said Bob Alverson, Executive Director of the Fishing Vessel Owners' Association.

“It is fantastic that another Alaskan fishery has been able to demonstrate sustainability through our certification programme, and we congratulate the fishery managers on this achievement. We hope it will lead to recognition and benefits for the fishery, the local fishing economy and marine conservation,” said Jim Humphreys, MSC’s Regional Director of the Americas.

The certified fishery is a longline fishery and is managed under the Individual Fishing Quota system. Apart from sablefish, three more species from Alaska have been awarded the MSC eco-label: Cod, pollock and salmon.

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish FISHupdate magazine, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.

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