Species

Hoki (Macruronus magellanicus)

MSC assessment status

The conformity assessment Body, OIA, has announced the withdrawl of Lic. Miguel A. Rey Sosa from the assessment team for the Argentine Hoki fishery.There will be no impacts on the assessment as his expertise will be fulfilled by the remaining members of the assessment team.

All persons wishing to comment on this revision is invited to contact Laura Laco by 5pm GMT, 12 February 2012.

Please refer to the assessment downloads section for further information including variation request and response.

Fishery location

South West Atlantic, within the Argentine Territorial waters (FAO statistical area 41)

Fishing method

Industrial bottom trawl net and Industrial semi-pelagic trawl net.

Fishery management

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and Fisheries dependencies (Sub-secretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture), and the Federal Fisheries Council (CFP)

Commercial market

Products derived from these fisheries are not widely distributed in Argentina whjere there is little consumption of Hoki, Most of the production is exported. A few supermarkets offer a sub-product called kanikama in the local market. Some fishing vessels produce surimi on board which is mostly sold in Japan; although a local sirimi processing plant in Puerto Deseado produces crab imitation.

Assessment timeline

The assessment process is scheduled for completion around January 2012. Please see the download section for a detailed assessment timeline.

The target eligibility date for these fisheries is the 1st March 2010.

The MSC ecolabel can only be applied to product from certified fisheries. The MSC program does allow, in certain circumstances and within strict traceability requirements, the MSC ecolabel to be applied following certification to product caught before the actual date of certification. The target eligibility date therefore represents the date from which products may become eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel, however they cannot be sold until and if the fishery is certified. The actual eligibility date will be determined if the fishery is certified to the MSC standard.

To find out more about when fish from this fishery may be sold with the MSC ecolabel, please follow this link (http://www.msc.org/get-certified/supply-chain/eligibility-dates).

Tonnage of the fishery

The 2008 landings of hoki was 110,267 mt.

Species

Brown tiger prawn (Penaeus esculentus)
Grooved tiger prawn (P. semisulcatus)
Blue endeavor prawn (Metapenaeus endeavouri)
Red endeavor prawn (M. ensis)
White Banana prawns (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis);
Red legged banana prawns (Fenneropenaeus indicus)

MSC assessment status

The certification body, MRAG Americas, has proposed two peer reviewers for the review of the Draft Australia Northern prawn fishery Assessment Report.

If you wish to provide feedback on the proposed peer reviewers, please contact Richard Banks no later than  5pm GMT, 30th September 2011.

Please refer to the assessment downloads section for more information.

Fishery location

Australian Commonwealth Waters in FAO area 71

Fishing method

Twin, triple and quad otter trawl

Fishery management

The fishery is managed through a combination of input controls (limited entry, seasonal closures, gear restrictions and operational controls), implemented under the Northern Prawn Fishery Management Plan1995.

Commercial market

Domestic: fresh & frozen. International: frozen primarily to Japan & China.

Assessment timeline

The assessment process is expected to take 10 months and is scheduled for completion around April 2012. Please see the download section for a detailed assessment timeline.

The target eligibility date for this fishery is the 5th July 2011.

The MSC ecolabel can only be applied to product from certified fisheries. The MSC program does allow, in certain circumstances and within strict traceability requirements, the MSC ecolabel to be applied following certification to product caught before the actual date of certification. The target eligibility date therefore represents the date from which products may become eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel, however they cannot be sold until and if the fishery is certified. The actual eligibility date will be determined if the fishery is certified to the MSC standard.

To find out more about when fish from this fishery may be sold with the MSC ecolabel, please follow this link (http://www.msc.org/get-certified/supply-chain/eligibility-dates).

Tonnage of the fishery

In 2010 tiger prawn catches were 1,628mt, endeavor prawn 429mt and banana prawn 5,642mt

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Species

Native oyster (European flat oyster) (Ostrea edulis)

MSC assessment status

The certification body, Moody Marine Ltd., has proposed two peer reviewers for the review of the Draft Blackwater native oyster fishery Assessment Report.

If you wish to provide feedback on the proposed peer reviewers, please contact Jason Combes no later than 5pm GMT, 8th July 2011.

Please refer to the assessment downloads section for further information.

Fishery location

The fishery occurs within the Blackwater River, Essex, in the Greater Thames Estuary, United Kingdom.

Fishing method

Dredge and hand collection

Fishery management

The Blackwater native oyster fishery operates under a variety of UK and EC regulations, including the Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) Act 1967, Local Sea Fisheries Committees Bye-laws, and The Registration of Fish Farming and Shellfish Farming Businesses Order 1985. Additionally, the fishery is subject to a number of hygiene regulations, including EC Directive 95/70/EC to prevent the spread of diseases implemented through the Fish Health Regulations 1997 (SI 1997 No. 1881) and the Shellfish Hygiene Directive (EC Directive 91/492/EEC) implemented through Food Safety (Fishery Products and Live Shellfish) Hygiene Regulations 1998. A closed season is also in effect from 14th May to 4th August.

The Tollesbury and Mersea Native Oyster Company has a Several Order lease from the Crown Estate, granted in 1999 for a period of 20 years. The Blackwater Creeks, operated by members of the Blackwater Oystermen’s Association, are privately owned or leased. Outside these areas, control occurs under the Kent and Essex Sea Fisheries Committee, operating bye-laws that regulate the minimum ring size (7cm) and restrict the size of dredge to 4 metres in any public fishery within the district. The upper Blackwater is under the jurisdiction of Maldon District Council, and the lower Blackwater by the Crown Estate, both of which lease grounds.

Annual landings are recorded and submitted to Cefas and the Marine and Fisheries Agency. Daily fishing effort and landings are also recorded.

Commercial market

The current market is predominantly for London restaurants and the oysters may also be exported to Europe and Asia.

Assessment timeline

The assessment process is scheduled for completion in or around January 2012. Please see the download section for a detailed assessment timeline.

The target eligibility date for this fishery is the 1st of November 2009.

The MSC ecolabel can only be applied to product from certified fisheries. The MSC program does allow, in certain circumstances and within strict traceability requirements, the MSC ecolabel to be applied following certification to product caught before the actual date of certification. The target eligibility date therefore represents the date from which products may become eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel, however they cannot be sold until and if the fishery is certified. The actual eligibility date will be determined if the fishery is certified to the MSC standard.

To find out more about when fish from this fishery may be sold with the MSC ecolabel, please follow this link (http://www.msc.org/get-certified/supply-chain/eligibility-dates).

Tonnage of the fishery

The tonnage (2008) for the Blackwater native oyster fishery is 60 MT.

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Species

Thornback Ray (Raja clavata),
Blonde Ray (Raja brachyura),
Small eyed Ray (Raja microcellata),
Sandy Ray (Leucoraja circularis),
Spotted Ray (Raja montagui),
Cuckoo Ray (Leucoraja neavus)

MSC assessment status

The certification body, Intertek Moody Marine, has published a revised timeline.

Please refer to the assessment downloads section for further information.

Fishery location

ICES Area VIIf, East of 4º 30’ West of the Bristol Channel.

Fishing method

Otter trawl.

Fishery management

Total Allowable Catch (TAC):
From 1st January 2009, rays have been subject to a EU TAC. The UK allocation is 4,070 tonnes liveweight. The Cornish Fishery Producers Organisation have 1,092.9t, the South Western FPO have 458.2t. There are no landing restrictions by either Producers Organisation. The under 10 metre vessel allocation is 822.7t where there is a monthly TAC of 16t. The NDFA over 10 metre vessels are in a PO.

Science:
The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the Centre of Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)

European and National fisheries legislation:
DEFRA/The Marine Fisheries Agency (MFA)

Vessel licensing:
DEFRA/MFA

Local management:
Sea Fisheries Committee (SFC) byelaws: Cornwall, Devon and South Wales
Environment Agency (EA): Acting as a SFC in Somerset, the Severn Estuary and tributaries and estuaries in Cornwall.

Confirmation of byelaws:
DEFRA and Welsh Assembly Science

Legislation:
EC CFP Regulations
UK Fisheries Acts
SFC / EA Byelaws

Commercial market

Main markets are domestic and other EU markets.

Assessment timeline

The assessment process is scheduled for completion in or around March 2012. Please see the download section for a detailed assessment timeline.

The target eligibility date for this fishery is 15 July 2011.

The MSC ecolabel can only be applied to product from certified fisheries. The MSC program does allow, in certain circumstances and within strict traceability requirements, the MSC ecolabel to be applied following certification to product caught before the actual date of certification. The target eligibility date therefore represents the date from which products may become eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel, however they cannot be sold until and if the fishery is certified. The actual eligibility date will be determined if the fishery is certified to the MSC standard.

To find out more about when fish from this fishery may be sold with the MSC ecolabel, please follow this link (http://www.msc.org/get-certified/supply-chain/eligibility-dates).

Tonnage of the fishery

The tonnage landed in 2008 for the Bristol Channel ray fisheries was 550 MT.

Species

Sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

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MSC assessment status

Following a 30-day period of comment on the Draft Report for the Bristol Channel sea bass fishery, the Certification Body, Moody Marine Ltd., has met to consider the report of the assessment team, the report of the Peer Review panel and all stakeholder comments. The Determination reached by the certification body is that the Bristol Channel sea bass fishery should NOT be certified in accordance with the MSC Standard. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A DETERMINATION, NOT A FINAL CERTIFICATION RESULT.

There is now a 15 working day period during which a party may lodge a notice of objection to the determinations reached. For further information on the objections process, including the grounds upon which an objection can be made, please email objections@msc.org or write to the MSC London Office (Please follow this link for the MSC London Office address).

Any intent to file an objection should first be addressed to the certification body, for the attention of Jim Andrews at Moody Marine, and copied to the MSC's Chief Executive, Mr Rupert Howes at the email address objections@msc.org, by 5pm GMT, 5th September 2011.

Please refer to the assessment downloads section for further information.

Fishery location

ICES Area VIIf, East of 5º 30’ West.

Fishing method

Demersal Otter trawl

Fishery management

All fisheries for sea bass, including the recreational and part time fisheries, are governed by EU legislation which prohibits the landing of sea bass below 36cm in length. In the Cornwall and South Wales SFC districts the minimum landing size for bass is 37.5 cm. Under current EU legislation, a directed fishery for bass using a demersal otter trawl is subject to minimum mesh size restriction.

National legislation restricts fishing for bass from a boat in bass nursery areas, i.e. 37 estuaries around the coast of England and Wales.

Bass are not subject to an EU or UK quota, therefore there are no current restrictions on the quantity

Commercial market

The main markets for sea bass caught in the Bristol Channel are the domestic market and other EU markets.

Assessment timeline

The assessment process is expected to take 21 months and is scheduled for completion around March 2011. Please see the download section for a detailed assessment timeline.

The target eligibility date for this fishery is the 31st of August 2010.

The MSC ecolabel can only be applied to product from certified fisheries. The MSC program does allow, in certain circumstances and within strict traceability requirements, the MSC ecolabel to be applied following certification to product caught before the actual date of certification. The target eligibility date therefore represents the date from which products may become eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel, however they cannot be sold until and if the fishery is certified. The actual eligibility date will be determined if the fishery is certified to the MSC standard.

To find out more about when fish from this fishery may be sold with the MSC ecolabel, please follow this link (http://www.msc.org/get-certified/supply-chain/eligibility-dates).

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Fishery species:

British Columbia chum (Oncorhynchus keta) - 4 fisheries

MSC assessment status

Please note the British Columbia pink salmon components have been certified.

A new timeline has also been published for the Chum fishery.

Please refer to the assessment downloads section for further information.

Fishery location

Canadian Pacific EEZ and British Columbia Coastal Waters

Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta)

North Coast/ Central Coast British Columbia
Inside Fisheries
West Coast Vancouver Island
Fraser River

Fishing method

Seine, troll, gillnet

Fishery management

The salmon fisheries are managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) – Pacific Region.  The Fisheries and Oceans mandate includes responsibility for the conservation and sustainable use of Canada's fisheries resources.

Salmon fisheries management for all salmon fisheries (First Nation, Commercial and Recreational) in British Columbia is conducted within the framework of an interannual management cycle. 

There are detailed fishery management plans for all salmon fisheries in BC including First Nations, commercial and recreational.  These plans describe the policy framework of the fisheries, the objectives of the management plan, decision guidelines and specific management measures as well as the fishing plans for the First nations, commercial and recreational fisheries.

Licence conditinos and commercial fishing plans lay out all the fishery management measures including seasons, closed areas, allowable gear characteristics such as hook styles, mesh size, net dimensions and the methods by which gear may be used.

In 2007, for all fishing areas province wide, the three commercial gear types harvested 11,131 tonnes of pink and 4,100 tonnes of chum salmon.

Commercial market

Worldwide

Assessment process

The assessment process is scheduled for completion in or around April 2012. Please see the download section for a detailed assessment timeline.

The MSC ecolabel can only be applied to product from certified fisheries. The MSC program does allow, in certain circumstances and within strict traceability requirements, the MSC ecolabel to be applied following certification to product caught before the actual date of certification. The target eligibility date therefore represents the date from which products may become eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel, however they cannot be sold until and if the fishery is certified. The actual eligibility date will be determined if the fishery is certified to the MSC standard.

To find out more about when fish from this fishery may be sold with the MSC ecolabel, please follow this link (http://www.msc.org/get-certified/supply-chain/eligibility-dates).

Species

Megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis),
Monk (Lophius piscatorius & L. Budegassa),
Sole (Solea solea).

MSC assessment status

The certification body, Intertek Moody Marine, has announced a revised timeline for the C&WSTG English Channel megrim, monk and sole beam trawl fishery.

Please refer to the assessment downloads section for further information.

Fishery location

The fisheries for megrim and monk take place in: ICES Area VII d,e,f,g amd h-k. ICES Area VIIIa (South Brittany) is also a catch possibility.

The fishery for sole takes place in: ICES Area VII d and e.

Fishing method

Beam trawl.

Fishery management

TAC & Quota:
Each of the species is subject to an EU TAC from which the UK is allocated a quota.

Science:
The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the Centre of Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).

European and National fisheries legislation:
DEFRA/The Marine Fisheries Agency (MFA)

Vessel licensing:
DEFRA/MFA

Local management:
Sea Fisheries Committee (SFC) byelaws: Cornwall & Devon
Environment Agency (EA)

Confirmation of byelaws:
DEFRA

Legislation:
EC CFP Regulations
UK Fisheries Acts
SFC / EA Byelaws

Commercial market

The main markets for megrim are France and Spain, although UK demand is growing. While sales of monk and sole are also made to Europe, UK sales are more significant and the market for certified product is expected to be more geared towards UK domestic sales.

Assessment timeline

The assessment process is scheduled for completion in or around April 2012. Please see the download section for a detailed assessment timeline.

The target eligibility date for this fishery is the 22 July 2011.

The MSC ecolabel can only be applied to product from certified fisheries. The MSC program does allow, in certain circumstances and within strict traceability requirements, the MSC ecolabel to be applied following certification to product caught before the actual date of certification. The target eligibility date therefore represents the date from which products may become eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel, however they cannot be sold until and if the fishery is certified. The actual eligibility date will be determined if the fishery is certified to the MSC standard.

To find out more about when fish from this fishery may be sold with the MSC ecolabel, please follow this link (http://www.msc.org/get-certified/supply-chain/eligibility-dates).

Tonnage of the fishery

The tonnage figures below are for the first eight months of 2008.Figures are then estimated for the 12 months of 2008.

Species

Atlantic halibut (hippoglossus hippoglossus)

MSC assessment status

The certification body, Scientific Certification Systems, Inc has proposed 2 peer reviewers for the review of the Draft Canada Atlantic halibut fishery Assessment Report.

If you wish to provide feedback on the proposed peer reviewers, please contact Ms. Adrienne Vincent, no later than  5pm GMT, 23 November 2011

• Download the full announcement (PDF, 125.1 kb)

Fishery location

The coastal waters off the coast of Canada near Nova Scotia and Newfoundland including part of the Grand banks and Georges bank, NAFO areas 3NOPs, 4VWX, and 5Zc, FAO statistical area 21.

Fishing method

Demersal long-line (fixed gear), Demersal trawl (mobile gear) and gill net.

Fishery management

Managed by Canadian DFO with an IFMP; TAC and Quota set and distributed annually.

Commercial market

About 21 local Canadian companies supply Atlantic halibut to markets. Of those 21 suppliers, 11 are in Nova Scotia. The others are based in Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador. Atlantic halibut are sold as fillets fresh and frozen. Predominant markets are in Canada, the US, and in the EU.

Assessment timeline

The assessment process is expected to take 10 months and is scheduled for completion around November 2011. Please see the download section for a detailed assessment timeline.

The target eligibility date for this fishery is the 1st April 2011.

The MSC ecolabel can only be applied to product from certified fisheries. The MSC program does allow, in certain circumstances and within strict traceability requirements, the MSC ecolabel to be applied following certification to product caught before the actual date of certification. The target eligibility date therefore represents the date from which products may become eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel, however they cannot be sold until and if the fishery is certified. The actual eligibility date will be determined if the fishery is certified to the MSC standard.

To find out more about when fish from this fishery may be sold with the MSC ecolabel, please follow this link (http://www.msc.org/get-certified/supply-chain/eligibility-dates).

Tonnage of the fishery

1,760 metric tons in 2010

Number of fisheries: 2

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Please note that certified Units from this assessment can be found on the Canada offshore northern and striped shrimp web page.

Species

Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis)

MSC assessment status

Please refer to the assessment downloads for further information.

Fishery location

Atlantic Canadian Waters, FAO Statistical Area 21.

The ‘Northern Shrimp Fishery’, Shrimp Fishing Areas (SFAs) 1

Fishing method

Demersal otter trawl.

Fishery management

The Northern Shrimp resource is managed though the departmental headquarters in Ottawa and assessed through the Newfoundland and Labrador as well as Central and Arctic regions and supported by an Advisory Committee and the advice of the NAFO Scientific Council.

Commercial market

The offshore focuses on the frozen-at-sea, raw and cooked shell-on product, which is marketed primarily in Russia, Ukraine, China, Japan and Western Europe.

Assessment timeline

The assessment process is scheduled for completion around June 2011. Please see the download section for a revised assessment timeline.

The target eligibility date for this fishery is the 15th of December 2009.

The MSC ecolabel can only be applied to product from certified fisheries. The MSC program does allow, in certain circumstances and within strict traceability requirements, the MSC ecolabel to be applied following certification to product caught before the actual date of certification. The target eligibility date therefore represents the date from which products may become eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel, however they cannot be sold until and if the fishery is certified. The actual eligibility date will be determined if the fishery is certified to the MSC standard.

To find out more about when fish from this fishery may be sold with the MSC ecolabel, please follow this link (http://www.msc.org/get-certified/supply-chain/eligibility-dates).

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Species

Chilean hake (Merluccius gayi gayi)

MSC assessment status

The certification body Moody Marine Ltd., has announced its intention to use the MSC’s default Assessment Tree (including Performance Indicators and Scoring Guideposts) in the evaluation of the Chile hake trawl fishery against the MSC Principles and Criteria.

The default Assessment Tree is defined in the MSC Fisheries Assessment Methodology (FAM), available for download here.

Any persons wishing to comment on this proposed use of the default Assessment Tree are invited to contact  Ian Scott by 5pm GMT, 8th August 2010.

The certification body, Moody Marine Ltd., has also announced that the Chile hake trawl fisheryis now entering the information gathering phase of the assessment. The primary objective of this stage is to collect information on the fishery and in particular to speak to representatives of the fishery, fishery management bodies and other stakeholders of the fishery. Meetings will be carried out over the period 16th to 20th August 2010 in Chile; principally in the areas of Santaigo de Chile, Valparaiso and Concepcion.

Any stakeholder with information on this fishery that should be considered in the assessment, or who wishes to meet with Moody Marine should contact Ian Scott, no later than 5pm GMT, 6th August 2010.

Please refer to the assessment downloads section for further information.

Fishery location

Chilean common hake (Merluccius gayi gayi) are distributed from Antofagasta to Cheap Channel and on the continental shelf to a depth of 500 m. The focus of the Chilean common hake trawl fishery is between the 5 mile and 60 mile offshore belt and within the Chilean fisheries administrative regions IV to X. The fishery is conducted in the South Pacific within the Chilean Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

FAO statistical area 87.

Fishing method

Demersal trawl.

Fishery management

There are two main government departments responsible for the management of Chilean fisheries: SUBPESCA (Undersecretary of Fisheries) and SERNAPESCA (National Fisheries Service). SUBPESCA deals with the policy and planning of the fisheries while SERNAPESCA deals with regulation and enforcement.

Commercial market

Catch would be destined for the export market as frozen, fresh and canned product.

Assessment timeline

The assessment process is scheduled for completion around August 2012. Please see the download section for a detailed revised assessment timeline.

The target eligibility date for this fishery is 6 months before the public comment draft report is released, expected around April 2012.

The MSC ecolabel can only be applied to product from certified fisheries. The MSC program does allow, in certain circumstances and within strict traceability requirements, the MSC ecolabel to be applied following certification to product caught before the actual date of certification. The target eligibility date therefore represents the date from which products may become eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel, however they cannot be sold until and if the fishery is certified. The actual eligibility date will be determined if the fishery is certified to the MSC standard.

To find out more about when fish from this fishery may be sold with the MSC ecolabel, please follow this link (http://www.msc.org/get-certified/supply-chain/eligibility-dates).

Tonnage of the fishery

26 355 tonnes in 2009 & 25 155 tonnes in 2008.

Species

Chilean mussel (Mytilus chilensis)

MSC assessment status

The conformity assessment body, Institute for Marketecology (IMO) , has announced the membership of the assessment team for the Chilean mussel fishery and suspended culture Toralla S.A and Cultivos Toralla S.A. fishery.

The conformity assessment body ,IMO,has also announced its intention to make modifications to the MSC’s default Assessment Tree (including Performance Indicators and Scoring Guideposts) for the evaluation of the Chilean mussel fishery and suspended culture Toralla S.A and Cultivos Toralla S.A. fishery against the MSC Principles and Criteria. Such modifications are proposed in order to allow for the special characteristics of the fishery including the fact that the fishery is an enhanced 'Catch and Grow' bivalve fishery based solely on spat collection with translocation.

The default Assessment Tree is defined in the MSC Fisheries Assessment Methodology (FAM), available for download here.

Any persons wishing to comment on these proposed modifications to the default Assessment Tree are invited to contact Selma Wurst by 5pm GMT, 19 February 2012.

The conformity assessment body, Institute for Marketecology (IMO), has also announced that the Chilean mussel fishery and suspended culture Toralla S.A and Cultivos Toralla S.A. fishery is now entering the information gathering phase of the assessment. The primary objective of this stage is to collect information on the fishery and in particular to speak to representatives of the fishery, fishery management bodies and other stakeholders of the fishery. Meetings will be carried out over the period 5 - 9 March 2012 in Chonchi, Region de los Lagos, Chile.

Any stakeholder with information on this fishery that should be considered in the assessment, or who wishes to meet with IMO should contact Selma Wurst, no later than 24 February 2012.

Please refer to assessment downloads section for further information.

Fishery location

The Chilean blue mussel stock is in the South East Pacific Ocean in the FAO statistical area 87. The fishery is located in the coastal sea of the Chile within the Exclusive Economic Zobne (EEZ) of 200 miles, specifically, within the limits of the ''Region de los Lagos'' (Region X). Seed mussel harvest in the area of Reloncavi, Puerto Montt. Grow-out operations in the province of Chiloe.

Fishing method

Seed is collected by suspended substrate and rope/mesh grown subsequently (Catch and grow)

Fishery management

Subsecretaria de Pesca (SUBPESCA) deals with the policy and planning of the fisheries.

Servicio Nacional de Pesca (SERNAPESCA) deals with regulation and enforcement.

Commercial market

The main target market is Spain followed by other European markets and the USA

Assessment timeline

The assessment process is expected to take 12 months and is scheduled for completion around 10/2012. Please see the download section for a detailed assessment timeline.

The target eligibility date for this fishery is the date of certification (10/2012).

The MSC ecolabel can only be applied to product from certified fisheries. The MSC program does allow, in certain circumstances and within strict traceability requirements, the MSC ecolabel to be applied following certification to product caught before the actual date of certification. The target eligibility date therefore represents the date from which products may become eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel, however they cannot be sold until and if the fishery is certified. The actual eligibility date will be determined if the fishery is certified to the MSC standard.

To find out more about when fish from this fishery may be sold with the MSC ecolabel, please follow this link (http://www.msc.org/get-certified/supply-chain/eligibility-dates).

Species

Cockle (Cerastoderma edule)
Pullet carpet shell (Venerupis pullastra)
Grooved carpet shell (Ruditapes decussatus)
Short-necked clam (Ruditapes philippinarum)

MSC assessment status

The Conformity Assessment Body, Bureau Veritas, has announced its intention to use the MSC’s default Assessment Tree and to use the RBF in place of the default Assessment Tree to evaluate PIs 1.1.1, 2.2.1, 2.4.1 and 2.5.1 in the scoring of the Clams and cockle fishery from Ria De Arousa fishery against the MSC Principles and Criteria.

The default Assessment Tree is defined in the MSC Fisheries Assessment Methodology (FAM), available for download here.  Information on the Risk Based Framework is available here.
Any persons wishing to comment on this proposed use of the Default Assessment Tree and RBF are invited to contact Mr Jacobo De Novoa by 5pm GMT, 1 March 2012.

The Conformity Assessment Body, Bureau Veritas, has also announced that the Clams and cockle fishery from Ria De Arousa fishery is now entering the information gathering phase of the assessment. The primary objective of this stage is to collect information on the fishery and in particular to speak to representatives of the fishery, fishery management bodies and other stakeholders of the fishery. Meetings will be carried out over the period 6-9 March 2012 in Abanqueiro.

Because this assessment will use the Risk-Based Framework for PIs 1.1.1, 2.2.1, 2.4.1 and 2.5.1, the certification body will request stakeholders to participate at meetings to obtain qualitative information about this fishery

Any stakeholder with information on this fishery that should be considered in the assessment, who wishes to meet with Bureau Veritas, or who wishes to participate in RBF meetings, should contact Mr Jacobo De Novoa , no later than 17 February 2012.

Please refer to the assessment downloads for further information.

Fishery location

Ria de Arousa (Punta Portomouro to Punta Pedra Rubia area). FAO zone 27. North Atlantic

Fishing method

Fishermen walking with hand devices or on boards with hand devices.

Fishery management

Commercial market

The main market for clams is Spain.

Assessment timeline

The assessment process is expected to take between 9-12 months and is scheduled for completion around 09/2012. Please see the download section for a detailed assessment timeline.

The target eligibility date for this fishery is the 31/07/2012.

The MSC ecolabel can only be applied to product from certified fisheries. The MSC program does allow, in certain circumstances and within strict traceability requirements, the MSC ecolabel to be applied following certification to product caught before the actual date of certification. The target eligibility date therefore represents the date from which products may become eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel, however they cannot be sold until and if the fishery is certified. The actual eligibility date will be determined if the fishery is certified to the MSC standard.

To find out more about when fish from this fishery may be sold with the MSC ecolabel, please follow this link (http://www.msc.org/get-certified/supply-chain/eligibility-dates).

Tonnage of the fishery

7000 - 8000 Mt

Species

Arctic surf clam (Mactromeris polynyma)

MSC assessment status

The certification body, Intertek Moody Marine has proposed 2 peer reviewers for the review of the Draft Clearwater Seafoods Banquereau and Grand Bank Arctic Surf Clam Hydraulic Dredge Fishery Assessment Report.

If you wish to provide feedback on the proposed peer reviewers, please contact Dr. Rob Blyth-Skyrme no later than  5pm GMT, 9 December 2011

Please refer to the assessment downloads for further information.

Fishery location

This fishery occurs in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, FAO statistical Area 21 on Banquereau Bank, which is a component of the Scotian Shelf in the Atlantic Ocean located east of Nova Scotia, and on Grand Bank, which is one of a series of banks collectively referred to as the Grand Banks, lying south east of Newfoundland.

Fishing method

Hydraulic dredges are used to harvest Arctic surf clams on the Banquereau and Grand Bank. These dredges are a mobile gear towed by large vessels typically used to harvest shellfish from the substrate in which they are buried. The dredge uses sea water under pressure to lift the shellfish into a retaining device allowing smaller clams to pass through.

Fishery management

There are two main groups involved with the management of the Arctic surf clam fishery; the Offshore Clam Management Board (OCMB), and the Offshore Clam Advisory Committee (OCAC).

Commercial market

Arctic surf clams are shucked and individually quick frozen at sea. The prime grade meat may be sold into the US or shipped to Japan and China for sale, or it may receive additional processing in China prior to sale.

Assessment timeline

The assessment process is expected to take 13 months and is scheduled for completion around May 2012. Please see the download section for a detailed assessment timeline.

The target eligibility date for this fishery will be 6 months prior the publication of the Public Comment
Draft Report (PCDR). This will allow the client to gain maximum benefit following a successful certification.

The MSC ecolabel can only be applied to product from certified fisheries. The MSC program does allow, in certain circumstances and within strict traceability requirements, the MSC ecolabel to be applied following certification to product caught before the actual date of certification. The target eligibility date therefore represents the date from which products may become eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel, however they cannot be sold until and if the fishery is certified. The actual eligibility date will be determined if the fishery is certified to the MSC standard.

To find out more about when fish from this fishery may be sold with the MSC ecolabel, please follow this link (http://www.msc.org/get-certified/supply-chain/eligibility-dates).

Tonnage of the fishery

The Banquereau Bank total TAC = 24,000 t
The Grand Bank total TAC = 14,756 t

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Species

Nephrops (Nephrops norvegicus)

MSC assessment status

The certification body, Moody Marine Ltd.,  has announced a revised timeline for the Clyde nephrops creel fishery.

Please refer to the assessment downloads section for further information.

Fishery location

Clyde Sea and Sea Lochs, ICES Area VIa, Management Area C, Functional Unit 13

Fishing method

Creel (baited Nephrops creel on lines).

Fishery management

The overall management of the Nephrops (Nephrops norvegicus) fishery is determined by the EU Common Fisheries Policy, which sets out technical measures and quotas for the fishery.  The CFP is implemented by Member States. The UK’s Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has agreed a Subject Specific Concordat with the Scottish Executive to enforce EC measures within Scottish waters.

The Clyde Nephrops fishery lies entirely within Scottish Internal Waters. It can only be prosecuted by UK fishing vessels, which are susceptible to the provisions of domestic fisheries legislation made by the Scottish Executive using its powers under the Inshore Fishing (Scotland) Act 1984.  This Act enables the Scottish Executive to make Orders to regulate or prohibit fishing activities. Stocks are controlled through a restrictive licencing system. SEERAD Fisheries Departments manage quota through Producer Organisation's (POs), including transfer and quota swap. Additional management measures include minimum net, mesh and landing size.

Commercial market

Markets for whole nephrops are principally in Southern Europe, and there is significant use of tails in Scampi production for the domestic UK market.

Assessment timeline

The assessment process is scheduled for completion in or around November 2011. Please see the download section for a detailed assessment timeline.

The proposed target eligibility date is the 1st June 2010.

The MSC ecolabel can only be applied to product from certified fisheries. The MSC program does allow, in certain circumstances and within strict traceability requirements, the MSC ecolabel to be applied following certification to product caught before the actual date of certification. The target eligibility date therefore represents the date from which products may become eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel, however they cannot be sold until and if the fishery is certified. The actual eligibility date will be determined if the fishery is certified to the MSC standard.

To find out more about when fish from this fishery may be sold with the MSC ecolabel, please follow this link (http://www.msc.org/get-certified/supply-chain/eligibility-dates).

Subscribe to RSS - add this to your reader to receive an update when new information on this fishery is added.

Species

Nephrops (Nephrops norvegicus)

MSC assessment status

The certification body, Moody Marine Ltd., has announced the following changes for the assessment previously known as Clyde nephrops trawl and creel fisheries.

This notification sets out the changes proposed to the report structure, title and timescale for these fishery assessments.

1. Report structure
The requirements under the Marine Stewardship Council program is that all fisheries must be assessed using a defined “Unit of Certification”. The “Unit of Certification” is defined by the MSC as “the fishery or fish stock (=biologically distinct population unit) combined with the fishing method/gear and practice (=vessel(s)) pursuing the fish of that stock)”.

As part of the assessment process for this fishery, Moody Marine Ltd provided a public announcement and solicited comment on two units of certification that included fishing for Nephrops norvegicus in the Firth of Clyde using trawls and creels. The initial announcement linked both units to a single report title.

The client now wishes to progress the assessment for each unit of certification independently. One report will be produced for creels, and another for trawls. These reports will proceed on separate timescales.

2. Change to assessment title
In view of the changes to the scope of certification set out in (1) above, it is appropriate to change the title of the assessment from “Clyde nephrops trawl and creel fisheries” to the “Clyde nephrops trawl fishery” and the “Clyde nephrops creel fishery” respectively.

3. Timescale – Clyde Nephrops Creel Fishery
Changes to the timescale for the assessment of the creel fishery are proposed including a revised target eligibility date expected to be 1st June 2010.

Please refer to the assessment downloads section for further information.

Fishery location

Clyde Sea and Sea Lochs, ICES Area VIa, Management Area C, Functional Unit 13

Fishing method

Otter trawl.

Fishery management

The overall management of the Nephrops (Nephrops norvegicus) fishery is determined by the EU Common Fisheries Policy, which sets out technical measures and quotas for the fishery.  The CFP is implemented by Member States. The UK’s Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has agreed a Subject Specific Concordat with the Scottish Executive to enforce EC measures within Scottish waters.

The Clyde Nephrops fishery lies entirely within Scottish Internal Waters. It can only be prosecuted by UK fishing vessels, which are susceptible to the provisions of domestic fisheries legislation made by the Scottish Executive using its powers under the Inshore Fishing (Scotland) Act 1984.  This Act enables the Scottish Executive to make Orders to regulate or prohibit fishing activities. Stocks are controlled through a restrictive licencing system. SEERAD Fisheries Departments manage quota through Producer Organisation's (POs), including transfer and quota swap. Additional management measures include minimum net, mesh and landing size.

Commercial market

Markets for whole nephrops are principally in Southern Europe, and there is significant use of tails in Scampi production for the domestic UK market.

Assessment timeline

The assessment process is scheduled for completion in or around June 2010. Please see the download section for a detailed assessment timeline.

The proposed target eligibility date is the 1st June 2010.

The MSC ecolabel can only be applied to product from certified fisheries. The MSC program does allow, in certain circumstances and within strict traceability requirements, the MSC ecolabel to be applied following certification to product caught before the actual date of certification. The target eligibility date therefore represents the date from which products may become eligible to carry the MSC ecolabel, however they cannot be sold until and if the fishery is certified. The actual eligibility date will be determined if the fishery is certified to the MSC standard.

To find out more about when fish from this fishery may be sold with the MSC ecolabel, please follow this link (http://www.msc.org/get-certified/supply-chain/eligibility-dates).