World’s first sustainable seafood products launched
03 March 2000
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), an international charity based in London, today launched the first fish products certified under its fisheries certification programme to encourage sustainable fishing practices through a consumer-targeted product labelling scheme. In the United Kingdom, the launch of these products is occurring in association with the Marine Stewardship Council’s 'Fish Forever' campaign.
As of today, consumers in the UK will be able to buy fish products bearing the MSC label. The world's first major international fishery to be independently certified as sustainable - Western Australian Rock Lobster - was launched today together with the Essex-Based Thames Herring fishery.
The MSC Certification Programme brings all stakeholders in the future of the fishing industry together to provide a global solution to a global problem. The problem is unsustainable fishing; and the solution is a scheme that uses market forces to make sustainable ocean stewardship attractive to the capture sector, fish processors, retailers and the consumer.
What HRH the Duke of Edinburgh says
In a statement, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh voiced his support for the MSC Certification Programme campaign. He said: 'The living resources of the oceans are particularly important for the human population as a source of food. I am convinced that the MSC has the opportunity to ensure that there really will be fish forever.'
What Fish! Seafood restaurant says
Speaking at the launch at Fish! Seafood restaurant, food connoisseur Lloyd Grossman said: 'Seafood provides meals for people across the world and is a wonderful source of protein. We have to ensure that this natural food source is renewable and remains available for generations to come.'
What the MSC says
The Chairman of the Marine Stewardship Council, the former UK Secretary of State for the Environment, the Rt. Hon John Gummer MP, stated that 'The MSC Certification Programme campaign has hit the ground running with the launch of two sustainable fish products and the support of major players in the processing and retail sectors, including Unilever, Youngs-Bluecrest and Sainsbury's. This campaign will demonstrate to others that sustainability is good for business as well as good for the environment.'
What the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council says
The Chief Executive of the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC), Brett McCallum said: 'the rock lobster fishery is extremely proud to have been awarded recognition as a sustainable fishery. It is a testament to the foresight and commitment of the fishing industry and the Western Australian Government over the past 40 years.'
Further information
For any media inquiries please contact media@msc.org.
