World's First Anchovy Fishery Gains MSC Certification

The fishery, which is located in the South West Atlantic, has been certified following independent assessment to the MSC standard for sustainable, well-managed fisheries. Products from the fishery will now be eligible to bear the blue MSC ecolabel.

Argentine anchovy is marketed primarily for human consumption. Eighty per cent of the catch is exported, with the most important export markets being Spain, Peru and Morocco. The rest is for internal Argentine markets.

Products derived from the fishery include anchovy fillets in oil, vacuum-packed anchovy fillets, anchovies in brine, salt-cured anchovies, anchovy fillet marinated in vinegar and whole frozen anchovies.

Carlos Rodriguez, speaking for the client group, said: We are committed to fishing in a responsible and sustainable manner, and protecting the natural resources of the ocean is a key component of our business. We are proud to be recognized as the first MSC certified anchovy fishery in the world and look forward to the benefits of MSC certification for our companies."

"We would also like to thank the National Institute of Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP) of Argentina for their valuable contribution to the achievement of this certification.

Kerry Coughlin, regional director for MSC Americas, said: MSC congratulates the Argentinean Bonaerense anchovy fishery on becoming MSC certified.

Argentine and other Latin American fisheries are important components of the global fish trade. MSC certification of this anchovy fishery, and other fisheries engaged throughout Latin America, will help them in markets worldwide and serve as an example for others in the region of the benefits of certification for sustainable fishing.