MSC CERTIFICATION IN ICELANDIC FISHERIES

MSC Certification in Icelandic Fisheries. Ensuring sustainability through effective fisheries management. The first of a series of features by Fish Focus, starting with our spotlight on Iceland. We will be posting an article every day, covering this amazing trip and showcasing the Icelandic Seafood industry, Icelandic heritage and the hospitality of the Icelandic people. You can read the whole publication here
The MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) is an international certification programme that ensures fisheries are sustainable and environmentally friendly. This certification is highly significant for Icelandic fisheries, as the country is economically and culturally dependent on fishing. MSC certification helps maintain the health of the oceans and ensures that marine resources are used
responsibly for future generations.
With its high-tech, sustainable approach to fishing and some of the world’s strictest quotas, Iceland has a profitable, efficient and environmentally focused model for others to follow and is a
leading example of responsible fisheries management.
The implementation of an Individual Transfer Quota (ITQ) system allowed the industry to rationalise which led to fewer, bigger stronger companies.
The Marine Research Institute advises the government on fishing quotas and works with fisheries such as Visir, to gather data that informs them of the health of fish population. This works
in perfect harmony with the MSC Standards.
By increasing the health of the fish population, today’s fishers are getting a good catch each time their vessels go out, meaning they spend less time fishing, using less fuel and reducing
carbon emissions.
The investment in technology and careful management means Iceland has been able to achieve MSC certification of its cod, ling, haddock, herring and saithe fisheries and obtaining the ecolabel validates their effort in protecting the environment.
To obtain MSC certification, Icelandic fisheries must go through a stringent process that covers many aspects of their operations. The process begins with assessing whether the fisheries meet MSC standards for sustainability. In Iceland, the fishery client which holds all the MSC fishery certifications is Icelandic Sustainable Fisheries (ISF). This is a membership based fishery client with currently almost 70 paying members. Around 99% of all landings has been certified.
Gisli Gislason, MSC Programme Director, North Atlantic Outreach Iceland, said:
“The first fishery in Iceland was certified in 2011 against the MSC fishery standard. Icelandic Sustainable Fisheries (ISF) the current fishery client organisation was created the year after.
“It has been rewarding following for over a decade an effective and successful engagement of the industry through their fishery client.”
However, pelagic fisheries in the North East Atlantic, including Iceland, have lost their MSC certificate, due to a disagreement on quota sharing which has led to combined fishing being above
scientific advise.
Because of this the percentage of MSC in landings in Iceland is currently lower. Globally, Iceland has been the first with 9 species into MSC fishery certification which was then followed by neighbouring countries. Furthermore, more than 200 sites in Iceland hold valid MSC chain of custody certificates.
Attaining MSC Certification
The MSC fishery standard include:
- Status of Fish Stocks: Fisheries must ensure that the stocks are in healthy condition and that their utilisation is within sustainable limits.
- Impact on Ecosystems: The fisheries must not have harmful effects on other species or marine ecosystems.
- Management System: There must be an effective and transparent management system in place to ensure that the fisheries are managed sustainably.
Companies that obtain MSC certification enjoy several benefits, including:
- Increased Consumer Trust: Consumers are increasingly looking for sustainable products. MSC certification provides assurance that the product has been responsibly caught.
- Better Market Access: Many large retailers and distributors require MSC certification for the seafood products they purchase.
- Environmental Protection: By meeting strict environmental standards, Icelandic companies contribute to the protection of the oceans and their ecosystems.
MSC certification is essential for the Icelandic fishing industry as it confirms and ensures sustainability and the protection of marine resources. By obtaining MSC certification, Icelandic companies can improve their competitive position in the global market, increase consumer trust, and contribute to a healthier marine ecosystem. This is a crucial factor in the future development of Icelandic fisheries and the conservation of the oceans