North Sea cod makes a comeback after acquiring MSC certification
Scottish and English cod boats of the Scottish Fisheries Sustainable Accreditation Group are now MSC certified.
The efforts of a coalition of fishing organisations with support from seafood brands and the industry body, Seafish, made the passing of North Sea cod in an independent assessment against the MSC’s strict standard possible.
“This is a massive development for the catching sector and is a testament to the power of collective action. The years of commitment to rebuilding North Sea cod has shown that fishermen are responsible and can be trusted to deliver stable and sustainable stocks. The certified restaurant or chip shop can now offer their customers locally-caught cod with a clear conscience,” said Mike Park, chairman of the Scottish fisheries sustainable accreditation group.
Although the cod is subject to strict traceability requirements, the news means that North Sea cod can now be sold through MSC Chain of Custody certified supply chains from MSC fish suppliers to certified restaurants and fish and chip shops bearing the MSC ‘blue tick’ label.
Director of sustainability at Direct Seafoods Laky Zervudachi said, “As trade sector seafood suppliers, we are fully committed to supporting the MSC. It is therefore fantastic news to be able to sell UK caught cod to our demanding customers and dispel any confusion around whether restaurants’ should be serving one of our most iconic species. It is also a great tribute to everyone in the industry, from the fishermen themselves through to the NGO’s that prove that a fishery that was under such significant pressure previously, can be nursed back to health with commitment, passion and great scientific advice.”
The announcement marks a momentous achievement for the industry. Cod stocks in the North Sea peaked at 270,000 tonnes in the 1970s, when North Sea cod was widely sold and enjoyed. However, stocks fell to just 44,000 tonnes in 2006. Since then, the industry has worked with the Scottish Government and EU Fisheries Council to agree and implement a ‘Cod Recovery Plan’ that would nurse the stock back to health.
Photo credit: New Scientist
