Sustainability notes

This is an overview of how the US North Pacific halibut 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:

Sustainability strengths

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

Principle 1: the state of the fish stock

• There is very high degree of confidence in proper identification and reporting of the target species.  Juvenile and adult Pacific Halibut are easily identified and fish dealers are required to report all commercial landings.
• The stock spawning biomass has continued to grow since the mid-1980s and is far above the threshold reference point for the stock in the regulatory areas.
  

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

• The geographical distribution of halibut fishery is well known and there is a broad understanding of the habitats in which the fishery is carried out. The effect of the fishery on the associated habitats can thus be monitored and regulated.

Principle 3: the fishery management systems

• The roles of national and international agencies responsible for the management of Pacific halibut fishery are well defined and the interactions between all agencies appear to be very effective and run smoothly. Research and development of management measures is carried out by International Pacific Halibut Commission, US and Canadian fisheries authorities allocate shares of IPHC quotas among their nationals.

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: 

• Information on the nature and extent of by-catch - Establish a scientifically defensible and comprehensive monitoring and reporting system for by-catch and discards taken directly from the halibut fishery.
• Management system to address ecological impacts of fishing – Strategies for managing the ecological impacts of fishing should be developed.