NORWEGIAN INSHORE COD AND HADDOCK MSC CERTIFICATION REGAINED 

Norwegian inshore cod and haddock MSC certification regained.  Norwegian fisheries for inshore cod and haddock were certified to the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) globally recognised standard for sustainable fishing today.

The fisheries were independently certified by a third-party auditor which assessed the fishery against MSC’s rigorous criteria related to stock health, protection of the environment, and ensuring effective management is in place.

Since 2010 MSC certifications included the inshore and offshore stocks of North East Arctic cod and haddock, but in April 2022 the fishery, Norges Fiskarlag, decided to apply for reassessment to the MSC Fisheries Standard for its offshore fishing only. The offshore cod and haddock catch was MSC certified while the inshore element was no longer part of the certificate.

When cod and haddock migrate to shore they mix with local coastal cod, which were not certified but were classified as IPI, (Inseparable, Practically inseparable).  The MSC Fisheries Standard requires an IPI over time either to be separated out of catches or landings or also certified against the MSC Fisheries Standard.

As a result, over the last year, the Norwegian Fisherman association, Fiskarlaget, representing Norwegian fisheries, has worked with the fisheries to regain recertification for these economically important inshore cod and haddock stocks.

MSC certified fisheries meet strict science-based criteria for ensuring sustainable fish stocks, minimising environmental impacts, and effectively managing their fishery. Once certified, MSC fisheries undergo annual audits, deliver improvements against any conditions, and are reassessed every five years.

Details of current fishery assessments and certifications to the MSC Fishery Standard, including any objection that is accepted, are available on the MSC Track a Fishery website. 

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