Since our last round-up in July 2014, seven fisheries became MSC certified. A further 13 from around the world have entered voluntary independent assessment to the MSC fisheries standard.
India's first MSC certified sustainable fishery
In November, The Ashtamudi Estuary short-necked clam fishery became the first Indian fishery to be certified to the MSC's fisheries standard. The fishery collaborated with WWF and local partners towards recognition of their sustainable practices.
Further recognition of Canadian fisheries
October saw the certification of the NAFO Division 4R Atlantic herring purse seine fishery, a first for Canadian herring fishers.
The Prince Edward Island lobster trap fishery, which provides more than 5,000 jobs each year and contributes substantially to the province’s economy, was also awarded MSC certification in November.
Success for Iceland Sustainable Fisheries
September and October brought recognition for two fisheries under the Iceland Sustainable Fisheries group:
ISF Atlantic saithe and the ISF golden redfish fishery, whose certification includes a commitment to new scientific research and plans that will help to protect seabed habitats.
New Zealand adds two more certified sustainable fisheries
The September certification of the New Zealand EEZ ling trawl and longline and New Zealand EEZ hake trawl fisheries. These bring the country's total of MSC certified fisheries to six.
Fisheries in assessment: landmark commitments
Western Australia's Exmouth Gulf and Shark Bay Prawn fisheries are now seeking MSC certification. The decision marks a significant milestone, as MSC Fisheries manager, Matt Watson states: "These two fisheries have tipped the scales of wild-capture prawns in Australia, now more than half the total harvest of wild prawns in Australia are part of the MSC program."
Two fisheries targeting mackerel and herring under the umbrella of the Northern Ireland Pelagic Sustainability Group (NIPSG) entered assessment in November. If successfully certified the number of MSC certified fisheries from Northern Ireland will be doubled.
Other fisheries in assessment
In Spain, the Bay of Biscay sardine fishery began its assessment in July, following the earlier entrance of its anchovy fishery.
A further eight fisheries from around the world entered assessment between July and November. These include:
Gulf of St Lawrence Fall herring gillnet
MINSA North East Atlantic mackerel
PFA, DPPO and KFO Northeast Atlantic blue whiting
Olympic Seafood Antarctic krill
North Atlantic albacore artisanal fishery
Australian Small Pelagic fishery
Northeastern tropical Pacific purse seine yellowfin and skipjack tuna