The OSF Orkney brown crab creel fishery is set to formally enter a full assessment against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) fisheries standard by independent experts over the next few months.
The development was confirmed by U.K. seafood supplier Young’s Seafood Ltd., which has been an active participant in the fishery improvement project (FIP) for many years through its Fish for Life corporate social responsibility program.
The aim of the FIP was for the islands’ fishery to work towards MSC certification. The FIP has now been completed and the fishery has entered assessment stage, where if it meets the standard, it could achieve MSC certification within the next year or so.
As well as Young’s, the participants involved in the FIP include Orkney Sustainable Fisheries Ltd, Orkney Fishermen’s Society, Crown Estate, Orkney Islands Council, Marks & Spencer, Marine Scotland and WWF.
The FIP participants have been supporting the fishery to become more sustainable through a range of activities, including scientific research to understand the biology of the brown crab, advocating improvements to the fisheries management system and financial contributions.
“We’re absolutely delighted that the hard work of the Orkney fishery has finally been recognized and rewarded. Young’s are incredibly grateful that the fishery’s commitment to sustainability will ensure that Orkney crab will be available both now and for the future,” David Parker, head of corporate social responsibility for Young’s, said.
