A group of artisanal lobster fishermen from Chile visited Seafood Expo Global on day two to discuss the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification that their fishery gained earlier this year. Although China and France are the primary current commercial markets for lobsters, Chilean fishermen are hoping the MSC certification will help them gain a footing in new markets.
The Juan Fernandez artisanal lobster fishery in Chile gained the MSC certification and is serving as an example of Chile’s increased commitment to sustainability. The certification is also aligned with new fisheries policies mandated by the Chilean government. The country can no longer base its fishery growth on increased catches but will instead look to sustainable development.
Increased revenues are now encouraged by the government by adding value to products through certification, for example.
"Obtaining MSC certification recognizes the sustainable fishing practices the islanders have practiced over the past 120 years. The most important elements are traditional management, the use of passive environmentally friendly gears, and collaborative efforts to collect key fisheries data,” said Alberto Vergara and Pablo Manríquez, representative of the fishery.
“The fishermen worked with the Government and the University of Concepcion, to create a continuous cost-effective monitoring program, which laid the foundation for this achievement.”
