Unit of certification
The unit of certification is the unit that is assessed by certifiers against the MSC environmental standard. It is defined as the fishery or fish stock (a biologically distinct unit) combined with the fishing method/gear and practice (the vessel/s) pursuing that stock. This is set at the beginning of the assessment.
The fishery: Unit of certification
The certified SPSG Ltd western component of North East Atlantic mackerel fishery is defined as:
|
Species |
Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) |
|
Geographical range of fishing operations |
ICES divisions VI, VII, and VIIIabc |
|
Method of capture |
Mid-water trawl |
|
Stock |
ICES currently uses the term North East Atlantic Mackerel to define the mackerel present in the area extending from ICES Division IXa in the south to Division IIa in the north, including mackerel in the North Sea and Division IIIa. |
|
Management |
The Western mackerel fishery is managed as part of the North East Atlantic mackerel stock. This stock is managed according to the EU-Norway Agreement (December 1997) that is implemented in EU member states and Norway under national management systems, advised by ICES. Management is on the basis of annual Total Allowable Catch, supplemented by closed areas or seasons. |
|
Client group |
Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group Ltd |
