SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SCOM] — September 16, 2014 — South Georgia's toothfish fishery is once again among the Marine Stewardship Council's most highly rated fisheries according to its third recertification assessment.
During the MSC's five-yearly recertification assessment the South Georgia Patagonian toothfish fishery earned a 96 out of 100 against the Council's three principles. This makes the fishery one of the world’s highest scoring against MSC standards.
“We are delighted that the toothfish fishery has been recertified and the excellent scores attained reflect the efforts made by the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI)," said Dr Martin Collins OBE. "Its scientific consultants and fishing industry to ensure the fishery is managed sustainably. South Georgia is a unique environment and the GSGSSI will continue in its efforts to improve all aspects of the fishery.”
The fishery is managed by the GSGSSI with scientific advice and support from the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas) and from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).
"The MSC re-certification is a strong endorsement of the value of long-term scientific research for underpinning policy and decisions that lead to responsible management of fisheries," said Dr. Mark Belchier of the BAS.
The fishery was originally certified in 2004, then recertified in 2009.
“The South Georgia toothfish fishery has excelled in its second re-certification, improving scores on all fronts. It is great to see the GSGSSI commit to further improvements in the fishery, which has already made such great strides forward," said Toby Middleton, MSC Senior Country Manager. "By leading the way in toothfish certification, the South Georgia toothfish fishery has created a market for certified sustainable toothfish that is now – deservedly – thriving.”
Building on this success, the GSGSSI has pledged a continued commitment to further improving the fishery. This will include an extensive programme of scientific work in order to support the management of the fishery over the next 5 years.
"[The] South Georgia Toothfish MSC Certification provides an outstanding role model for the development of sustainably managed fisheries and Cefas is committed to ensuring that future research sustains the excellent assessment announced today," said Dr Chris Darby, Senior Fisheries Science Advisor at Cefas.
This story originially appeared on SeafoodNews.com, a subscription site. It has been reprinted with permission.