Clyde nephrops creel
Last Updated: 11th December 2009
Number of fisheries: 1
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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
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 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).

