The assessment will evaluate the fishery against the MSC principles and criteria for sustainable fishing and, if successful, salmon from the fishery will be eligible to bear the MSC ecolabel.
Narody Severa and Bolsheretsk salmon fishery
The target species for this fishery assessment are sockeye, chum, pink, and coho salmon in the Opala and Kihchik Rivers, and pink salmon on the Bolshaya River. The method of catch in the sea is set nets and beach seines are used in rivers. The fishery operates during the return of the salmon stocks to natal rivers, and occurs annually from July to September.
The clients for this assessment are Narody Severa, Ltd. and Bolsheretsk, Ltd. In 2012, catch volumes for all four species were 18,826 tons for Boslheretsk, Ltd. and 11,560 tons for Narody Severa, Ltd. Currently, nearly all of the fish is sold in the domestic Russian market and processed into various products. There are other eligible fisheries in the area and the client group is willing to share the certificate.
If successful, fishery will supply significant additional volume of MSC certified salmon
Kerry Coughlin, MSC Americas regional director, says: “MSC certified salmon is in high-demand in global seafood markets and the MSC welcomes this new Russian salmon fishery into the program. If successful, this fishery will supply a significant additional volume of several species of MSC certified salmon, potentially by the 2014 season, which would be welcome news to buyers.”
The assessment will be carried out by MRAG Americas a third-party, independent certifier. MRAG will convene a team of scientific experts to assess the fishery against the three core principles of the MSC’s standard for sustainable and well managed fisheries: the sustainability of the fish stock, its impact on the environment and the management system in place. Anyone who would like to bring information about the fishery to the attention of the certifier can be involved in the assessment process.
If you would like to be involved, please contact Jodi Campbell at certification@mragamericas.com. It is expected the assessment will take 14 – 16 months to complete.
