Twenty fisheries participating in the Marine Stewardship Council program on Monday joined to form the Association of Sustainable Fisheries to foster dialogue between the London-based nonprofit and its client fisheries. The fisheries are either certified sustainable under the MSC program or are seeking certification.
More than 50 stakeholders met with the MSC in Brussels on Monday to discuss the need for greater client input in MSC's efforts.
Mathew Bartholomew, fishery assessment manager for the MSC, said at the European Seafood Exposition on Tuesday that the meeting went well and that the MSC was encouraged by the input it received. "This provides a forum for MSC clients to provide feedback," he said.
"MSC is an important organization and a significant sustainability proof point for the industry. But there is room for improvement in the program's administration," said Jim Gilmore, director of the At-Sea Processors Association (ASPA), in a press release. "When it comes to developing policy and discussions of program cost, we want to ensure that our voices are heard."
ASPA members participate in Alaska's Bering Sea pollock fishery.
"We look forward to working with MSC leadership and to helping better open the lines of communications, as we all work towards a common sustainable fisheries goal."
April 28, 2009
