Sustainability notes

This is an overview of how the Kyoto Danish Seine Fishery Federation snow crab and flathead flounder fishery scored in assessment against the MSC standard. For the certifiers evaluation please download the full public certification report with detailed information on the performance of this fishery against the criteria of the MSC environmental standard for sustainable fishing.

The fishery scored as follows in assessment against the MSC standard for sustainable fishing. The highest possible score for each principle is 100 and a fishery must score at least 80 against each principle to get certified:

Snow crab fishery

Flathead flounder fishery

Sustainability strengths

Some points on which the fishery scored over 90 are outlined below. 

Principle 1: the state of the fish stock

• The target stock is reliably identifiable by fishers and regulators without error.
  

Principle 2: the impact of the fishery on the marine environment

• The type, quantity and location of gear lost during fishing operations are not recorded. Estimates based on qualitative data show that losses do not cause unacceptable effects on the receiving ecosystem.
• There is a comprehensive evaluation of the impacts of the fishery on the ecosystem based on existing information.
  

Principle 3: the fishery management systems

• An evaluation has been undertaken which clearly shows that the management system is compliant with all relevant national legislation.
  
• Information, instruction and training are provided to the fishery operatives in the aims and methods of the management system allowing effective management of the systems that are implemented by the fishermen.
  
• The system does not include subsidies that contribute to unsustainable fishing.
  

Challenges

In order to ensure its continuing sustainable operation this fishery made a commitment to improving its performance where it scored between 60-80. Some of the actions the fishery has committed to are:  

• KDSFF will specify a timeframe for completing the recovery objective for the snow crab stock in conjunction with their local research body. The adaptive management process used in the fishery currently, also provides the framework for ensuring recovery within the specified timeframe.
  
• KDSFF will submit evidence at annual surveillance audits to show that the adaptive fishery management system is implemented when limit reference points are triggered to ensure recovery of the stock. At the fourth annual surveillance audit, provide evidence that the adaptive management system is continuing to be effective in recovering the flathead flounder stock on an annual basis to achieve the long-term objective of the recovery plans.