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 Eastern Canada Offshore Lobster fishery is defined as:
|
Species |
Lobster (Homarus americanus) |
|
Geographical range of fishing operations |
The offshore lobster fishery operates within the Canadian EEZ, in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 41, extending from the International Court of Justice (ICJ ) or “Hague” line on Georges Bank to the Laurentian Channel off Cape Breton and outside of the offshore boundary line which extends 50 miles out from the coast. |
|
Method of capture |
Traditional lobster trap design, constructed of wire. |
|
Stock |
The “Eastern Canada Offshore Lobster Fishery” is restricted to Lobster Fishing Area 41. |
|
Management |
Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) led management, through their Maritime Region. |
|
Client group |
Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership |
