Dutch blue shell suspended culture mussel producers seek MSC certification
07 June 2001
The Dutch Association of Suspended Mussel Culture Farmers (in Dutch : Zeeuwse Hangcultuurkwekers) has entered full assessment for the internationally recognized MSC standard for sustainable fishing. The Association is the second Dutch fishery to enter full MSC assessment following the allocation of a certification grant from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. In total a subsidy of 1 million euro with a maximum of 100,000 euro per applicant was available. Applications for funding closed on September 1st.
About the fishery
The Dutch blue shell mussel and suspended culture fishery is located in the Dutch coastal region of the Waddenzee and Zeeland delta and comprises 4 members. The fishery produces mussels collected as spat on mussel seed catching systems that grow-out on suspended ropes or nets. The fishery is eligible for the MSC fisheries assessment process under the enhanced fisheries policy. The total landings in 2008/2009 were 500 to 900 tonnes. The mussels are mainly sold to the Belgian and Dutch markets through retail and restaurants.
What the client says
The Dutch Association of Suspended Mussel Culture Farmers was founded in 1994 with the mission to stimulate and increase the farming of shell fish, particularly mussels by means of suspended culture in the waters of Zeeland. Its president, Mr Jaap Geleijnse, says on their behalf: "Our two most important activities are to stimulate the sales of cultured products and their promotion. The suspended mussel culture farmers target the mussel market with a sustainable, appealing and guaranteed high-quality product from the waters of Zeeland. We decided to seek MSC certification of suspended culture mussels so we could demonstrate that our fishery is sustainable and meets the highest standard. We are confident that we will achieve successful assessment and that our mussels will be permitted to carry the MSC ecolabel."
What the MSC says
Karin Fredrikze, Commercial Officer of MSC, says: "If successful, this blue shell suspended culture mussel fishery will enable us to meet a growing demand for MSC certified shellfish in the northern European market. I am pleased to welcome the Dutch Association of Suspended Mussel Culture Farmers into our programme and wish them all the best during their assessment."
The certifier
The assessment will be carried out by independent certifier SGS Nederland B.V. All interested stakeholders are encouraged to contact Mr. Ing. Sander Buijs on telephone +31612965272 or email msc@sgs.com.
Further information
MSC: Media and pictures of the fishery: contact media@msc.org or call +31 (0)70-360 5979
PO Suspended Mussel Culture : Jaap Geleijnse, info@j-geleijnse.speedlinq.nl or +31 (0)111-413481
