The U.S. Gulf menhaden fishery has been recertified to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard after passing an independent audit by SCS Global Services.
The menhaden fishery in the Gulf of Mexico, currently referred to as the Gulf of America by the U.S. government, was first certified to the MSC standard in 2019. The latest recertification is part of the standard MSC process, which certifies a fishery for five years and performs both ongoing surveillance audits each year and a full recertification every five years.
"Achieving recertification against the MSC Fisheries Standard reflects strong, ongoing stewardship of the resource, including careful monitoring and a clear focus on simultaneously maintaining healthy menhaden populations and protecting the marine ecosystem," MSC Senior Manager of U.S. Fishery Partnerships Marin Hawk said.
The menhaden fishery is largely harvested by Westbank Fishing and Ocean Harvesters, which in turn work with processors Daybrook Fisheries and Omega Protein.
The fishery’s original MSC certification was subject to a range of objections, including from environmental groups and recreational fishermen who claimed the fishery was robbing other species of food and causing detrimental impacts to the environment. Since that time, the fishery and Gulf stakeholders have continued to undergo a number of different studies, including a study by the University of Southern Mississippi which examined predator species in the region and found no one species was “most important” as a food source.
Westbank Fishing President and Principal Owner Francois Kuttel said the latest recertification is proof of the fishery’s commitment to sustainability.
"Every step we take, from modernized nets to management and reporting practices, is independently verified and publicly accountable, leaving no room for doubt about the fishery's sustainability or its benefit to Louisiana communities and markets,” Kuttel said.
According to a release from Ocean Harvesters the menhaden industry supports more than 2,000 jobs in Louisiana and supports USD 419 million (EUR 361 million) in annual economic impact.
"This certification is not just about environmental performance; it's about the people and communities who depend on this fishery," Ocean Harvesters Vice President Ben Landry said. "Independent verification confirms the Gulf menhaden stock is abundant and that the fishery is well-managed and operates environmentally sustainably, reflecting both the health of the menhaden population and the stewardship of our industry."
