The MSC fishery certification program and seafood
eco-labeling program both recognize sustainable seafood harvesting
practices. MSC is a global organization working with the fishing
industry, seafood companies, scientists, conservation groups and the
public to promote environmental stewardship when making seafood
purchasing decisions. Consumer awareness of MSC certification is growing
in North America and is well-established in Europe. Many retailers in
both North America and Europe are demanding proof of sustainability,
often in the form of an eco-label.
"ASP sought MSC certification of this shrimp fishery
to ensure we maintain our market access," said Derek Butler, Executive
Director of ASP. "We have a highly sustainable fishery and we are proud
of it being the first such certified fishery in Canada. The support of
the Provincial Government in helping us conduct the work around
maintaining this certification is more than appreciated."
The assessment, auditing and recertification are
ongoing processes for ASP. Certification is for a five-year period. The
current certification must be renewed by 2013. There are certain
activities that must be carried out on an annual basis, before the
certification is due for renewal. A full reassessment must occur before
the end of the five-year period in order for the client to maintain
uninterrupted certification.
MI will carry out various activities for ASP to update
the shrimp fishery MSC certification. This work will examine spatial
distribution of fish harvesting efforts, mapping of seabed habitats to
determine the impacts of trawling activity and the compiling of research
from existing studies to produce assessments of the impact of this
fishery.
"The Marine Institute is pleased to be working with
the Provincial Government, the Association of Seafood Producers and the
Marine Stewardship Council to compile information that will help ensure
a sustainable, profitable shrimp fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador,"
said Glenn Blackwood, Executive Director of MI. "Buyers want to know the
product they purchase is caught sustainably with
environmentally-friendly practices, now more than ever. This project
aims to make certain the fishing industry in our province is in a
position to thrive in such a marketplace."
The Canadian northern shrimp trawl fishery and Gulf of
St. Lawrence northern shrimp trawl fishery (Esquiman Channel) are the
only two certified shrimp fisheries in Canada. There are a number of
other provincial fisheries currently engaged in the assessment process
for MSC certification.
