Australias Largest Prawn Fishery Receives MSC Certification

Australian Fisheries Management Authority CEO Dr James Findlay said that the councils accreditation of the Northern Prawn Fishery was recognition of many years of hard work, investment and commitment by the industry to ensure it meets and exceeds the highest standards for environmental sustainability.

This latest certification also shows that the Australian Fisheries Management Authority continues to deliver responsible and sustainable fisheries management that Australians can be proud of, Dr Findlay said.

Marine Stewardship Council certification requires the industry to satisfy a rigorous, independent assessment against internationally-recognised environmental standards. I congratulate the industry on the announcement, he said.

When Australian seafood lovers see the Marine Stewardship Councils blue tick of approval next to the prawns at the seafood counter or on a menu, they should be confident that they are buying sustainable seafood from a world-class fishery.

The Northern Prawn Fishery supplies both Woolworths and Coles so the sustainable prawns will be easy for consumers to access.

The announcement brings the total number of Australian fisheries accredited by the independent, London-based council to seven, with four of these managed by federal regulator, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.

Northern Prawn Fishery Industry CEO Annie Jarrett said that the industry is producing some of the worlds finest quality wild-caught prawns and is keen to continue to improve its environmental credentials.

Marine Stewardship Council Australia and New Zealand Manager, Patrick Caleo said that the Northern Prawn Fishery is one of only a handful of prawn fishery worldwide to reach the MSC global standard and the first MSC certified fishery to supply banana and tiger prawns.

The Marine Stewardship Council maintains the most widely respected and accepted global standard for the certification of wild capture seafood. The certification standard is defined by three core principles: the status of the fish stock, the impact of the fishery on the marine ecosystem, and the management system overseeing the fishery.