The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is the world’s leading certification and eco-labelling programme for sustainable seafood. It is a global organisation that works with fisheries, seafood companies, scientists, conservation groups and the public to promote the best environmental choice in seafood.
In January 2012 a Spanish family-owned fishing company called Pescafria was independently awarded the MSC environmental standard certificate for sustainable fishing practices. The company holds 27.5 per cent of the Spanish cod quota — the largest in the country — and it exports seafood products and frozen cod fillets to the United Kingdom, France, Holland, Norway and Portugal.
The certificate has consolidated Pescafria’s position in various export markets where awareness of sustainable practices is increasing. In spite of negative information about cod in general, its achievement should raise awareness among consumers on the health of the well-managed Arctic Ocean cod stocks. Pescafria is the first Spanish fishery to receive the certification, assessed on the basis of the three MSC environmental principles: maintaining sustainable levels of fish stocks(in this case,NortheastArctic cod); minimising the environmental impact methods of fishing have on the marine ecosystem; and effectively managing fishing operations.
Francisco Rodríguez, the manager of Pescafria, says, “Getting MSC certification consolidates our position in export markets of being increasingly aware of the need to consume wild seafood – the only really sustainable product.”
Oak Foundation’s support has been key in the development of MSC’s programme in Spain. Oak continues to support MSC in moving the Spanish fishing industry and seafood supply chain towards a more sustainable future.
Photos © Pescafria - Pesquera Rodríguez
The European Union is one of the biggest importers and exporters of fish. With its large fishing fleet, strong domestic markets, and the political and commercial influence, the EU exerts enormous influence in fisheries policies worldwide, many of which encourage overfishing. At the same time, the EU is lagging when it comes to sustainable fisheries policy. The majority of assessed EU fish stocks are overfished; the EU fleet is characterised by overcapacity often supported with public aid; and decision making is often non-transparent and on the behalf of short-term interests of segments of the EU fishing industry.
In the Europe Programme, our main goal is to restore (and maintain) European marine ecosystems. We aim to fund organisations that ensure the European fleet operates sustainable practices whether in European waters or elsewhere.
Our main initiatives are to: