The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute released a resolution this week supporting the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s decision to withdraw from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)’s process for certification.
The resolution, signed by 27 different fishing companies based in Alaska, reinforced the Alaska fishing industry’s previous statements that Alaska fisheries do not need certification from the MSC to be seen by the world as sustainable.
“The United Fishermen of Alaska and all signatory fishing groups believe that the Alaska brand of wild, natural and sustainable seafood as well as the Alaska Constitution requiring 'sustainability' and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's internationally acclaimed management practices are all that is needed for Alaska's seafood retail and wholesale customers to understand that Alaska's seafood is 'sustainable,’” the resolution read.
The department had been seeking MSC certification for the state’s salmon fisheries, but the fishermen’s resolution suggests that the state may and should rely on certification under the Responsible Fishery Management (RFM) program, which is based on standards from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
“The United Fishermen of Alaska and all signatory fishing groups support the Responsible Fishery Management (RFM) certification as an objective, internationally recognized ISO Standard that is in the best interests of Alaska and its fisheries,” the fishermen said in their resolution.
