Cod caught by members of the Danish Fishermen Producer Organisation (DFPO) is now recognised as coming from a well-managed fishery and that fishing practices meet the MSC’s robust requirements for sustainability.
“We are very proud to be the first mover in getting cod in the North Sea and the Skagerrak MSC certified. The MSC certification is the gold standard for sustainability in fisheries,” says Svend-Erik Andersen, President of the DFPO.
North Sea cod has long been a concern for fishermen, politicians and scientists alike. Over the last decade however, the cod stock in the North Sea has seen significant improvements. A long term recovery plan, involving reductions in catch, improved research and analysis and careful management of the fishery has resulted in year-on-year growth in the cod population. Cod stocks have now reached the same level as in the early 1980’s.
“The stock has been growing steadily over the last decade and our fishermen have been prudent in their fishery patterns using more and more selective fishing gears.” adds Mr Andersen.