PFA Atlanto-Scandian herring pelagic trawl: the fishers’ story
Meet the Pelagc Freezer-Trawler Association Atlanto-Scandian herring fishers
In July 2010, the Pelagic Freezer-Trawler Association (PFA) received MSC certification for its Atlanto-Scandian herring fishery with pelagic trawl. Following the North Sea herring fishery and the North-East Atlantic mackerel, this is the third fishery of the PFA that has received the independent MSC ecolabel. President Gerard van Balsfoort explains why MSC is so important to the PFA.
Quick facts
- Sustainability is a crucial part of the PFA company policy and three PFA fisheries are already MSC certified
- The fishery uses pelagic trawls – as a result there is no or very little impact on seabed habitats
- The fishery has close to no bycatch
Why we chose MSC certification
Sustainability is a very important part of the PFA policy – the North Sea herring and North East Atlantic mackerel fisheries were certified in 2006 and 2009 respectively. The MSC certification of the PFA Atlanto-Scandian herring was the next logical step.
“The certification of our Atlanto-Scandian herring fishery was a smooth process. The stock is very healthy and is managed exceptionally well.”
- - Gerard van Balsfoort, Director, PFA
What sets us apart
The fact that the Atlanto-Scandian herring fishery is the third PFA fishery to receive MSC certification illustrates the PFA’s commitment to sustainability. The PFA Atlanto-Scandian herring fishery is a very selective fishery and guarantees the healthy status of the stock.
Environmental benefits of MSC certification
"The certification of our Atlanto-Scandian herring fishery was a smooth process. The stock is extremely healthy. It is managed exceptionally well and fishery mortality is very low. Our drag-net fishery has nearly zero bycatch."
Forty years ago this stock had almost disappeared. A certified fishery is always in favour of careful stock management. When the stock is facing difficulties, the fishing effort must be adjusted accordingly.
How else does MSC certification benefit the environment?
Economic benefits of MSC certification
Part of the PFA catch is destined for the German market where the MSC ecolabel is of great value. "For pelagic fish, MSC is the standard. The Atlanto-Scandian herring is our third fishery that is MSC certified. At the same time we have been working on the recertification of North Sea herring in accordance with MSC guidelines. This is our first reassessment. As all pelagic fisheries for North Sea herring are MSC certified, everyone is working together on responsible management. Nobody wants to lose their MSC certificate," says Gerard van Balsfoort.
How else does MSC certification improve
economic prospects for fisheries?
Looking ahead…
The PFA is looking at the other species in her fleet to check if MSC certification would also be possible for them.
Get recipes for sustainable fish dishes
Find MSC labelled products from this fishery
More about MSC certified fisheries and fish
The article above was written by an independent journalist commissioned by the MSC to find out how MSC certification has helped this fishery.
