Faroese Fisheries for Cod and Haddock have achieved certification to the MSC Fisheries Standard
T
he FISF Faroe Islands cod, haddock, tusk and ling
where the Faroese fishing authorities adjusted the fishery
fishery has achieved certification for cod and
management system to be sustainable according to
haddock to the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC)
international principles.
globally recognised standard for sustainable fishing
“We therefore applaud that the independent auditors
this month. The new certification for cod and haddock is
have now certified the Faroese fisheries for cod and
an extension of the current MSC certification for ling and
haddock as sustainable against MSC’s Fisheries Standard.
tusk in Faroese waters.
This will benefit the industry and society as a whole.”
The certification follows a rigorous and independent review that verified the fishery’s sustainability to the global science-based standard set by the MSC.
Jacob Vestergaard, The Minister of Fisheries in the Faroe Islands said: “Our objective is to manage the fishing stocks under
This is a significant milestone for the Faroe Islands, a
Faroese sovereignty in such a manner that the future
country of 53,000 people which relies on exports for jobs
generations can obtain the same benefits from our sea
and income.
resources as the current generations.
As well as safeguarding fish stocks and the marine
“I therefore chose to implement a system with a
environment, the fishery will now be able to export MSC
management plan based on scientific advice for each
labelled cod and haddock products to overseas markets,
fish species, where we, in a systematic manner, follow
helping to create new market opportunities.
the scientific advice to ensure sustainable fisheries. It is
To help manage fish stock sustainably and achieve MSC
very satisfying to see that these efforts have paid off with
certification, the fishing industry influenced the Faroese
MSC certification. This benefits all parties, since the world
Government to change the law. In December 2020, Jacob
demands sustainably caught fish products, while we need
Vestergaard, Minister of Fisheries, made an executive
the income from the fish exports.”
order to introduce a scientifically-based management
Durita í Grótinum is the chief executive officer of
plan limiting the number of fishing days for the cod and
FISF said: “FISF has represented the Faroese industry
haddock fisheries.
in the process of certifying the Faroese fisheries as
The fishing industry also created a new unified fishing
sustainable. Our cooperation with MSC has been very
body, the Faroe Islands Sustainable Fisheries (FISF), with
satisfying. MSC has a lot of formal requirements to the
the aim of raising fishing management standards in line
fisheries and the fisheries management system to meet
with the MSC’s robust sustainability standards.
their principles. That we have been able to achieve this
Loren Hiller, MSC Commercial Manager, UK &
goal is because the Faroese authorities have listened
Ireland, said: “The Faroese fishing industry has been
to experts to implement a management plan. Going
actively engaged with the MSC since their first certification
forward, it is vital that we follow through in accordance
of herring in 2010. We applaud the national effort made
to the management plan for the different fish species to
where industry and government worked effectively
preserve the MSC certification. It has also been vital that
together on national management improvements. MSC
the Faroese Marine Research Institute has internationally
certification offers the most robust assurance of fisheries
recognised scientists, who foster scientific confidence in
sustainability available. This certification, and traceability
the Faroese fisheries management system.
along the supply chain, will enable cod and haddock from
About the MSC:
this fishery to carry the MSC label to credibly demonstrate
The Marine Stewardship Council is an international non-
to shoppers and diners that the seafood originated from a
profit organisation. It recognises and reward efforts to
well-managed fishery.”
protect oceans and safeguard seafood supplies for the
Hanus
Islands
future. The MSC certification is based on three main
Sustainable Fisheries (FISF) said: “In the industry we
principles: (1) Sustainable fish stocks. (2) Minimising
have been working systematically towards this situation,
environmental impact. (3) Effective fisheries management.
22
Hansen,
chairman
of
Faroe
Fastfood Professional • October and November 2021
October and November 2021 • Fastfood Professional
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