The Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group (SPSG) North Sea herring fishery is the first Scottish pelagic fishery to be certified and, with half a dozen local processors already holding MSC’s Chain of Custody traceability certification, consumers across Europe will soon be able to buy Scottish herring and herring products bearing the coveted MSC eco-label.
SPSG Secretary, Derek Duthie commented on the fishery’s certification: “We are pleased that the SPSG has been successful in bringing together all Scottish fishermen and processors in a cooperative project, to achieve MSC certification. This fishery is the first large-scale fishery in the UK to comply with the exacting MSC standard. This is a notable achievement for the Scottish pelagic industry and underlines our commitment to sustainable fisheries,” he said.
Rupert Howes, Chief Executive of the MSC said: “The Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group led the recent influx of Scottish fisheries into the MSC programme and I am delighted to see their herring fishery certified. This is a significant fishery both in size and location and the certification means that international consumers will soon be able to buy Scottish-caught and processed MSC certified herring and kippers [3]. I am looking forward to barbecuing MSC Scottish herring in the very near future.”
The fishery assessment was carried out by recently-accredited independent certifier Food Certification International. The certificate will be formally presented at an event in Peterhead at the beginning of August.
First MSC Eco-Label to a Scottish Pelagic Fishery
UK - A Scottish herring fishery has been certified as a sustainable and well-managed fishery under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard.