The Sustainable Groundfish Association, based in Gloucester, Massachusetts, has proven that the Acadian redfish, haddock and pollock meets Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standards, earning sustainability certification for the corresponding fisheries as of August.
New England fishermen have been turning to Acadian redfish, haddock and pollock as economically viable and sustainable alternatives to other species for some time. Typically caught Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank waters, the combined commercial harvest of the fish transpired into a total value of more than USD 21 million (EUR million) in 2013.
With the new MSC certification, both consumers and fishermen can be confident that the catch is sustainable sought and caught.
“MSC certification allows consumers to buy New England redfish, haddock and pollock with the confidence that the fisheries will continue to be operated and managed in a sustainable manner. We are committed to preserving a way of life for commercial fishermen and their families while minimizing ecosystem impact to insure these fisheries are sustainable for generations to come,” said Kristian Kristensen of Cape Ann Seafood Exchange, a member of SGA, in a press statement.
"The MSC’s vision is for oceans to be teeming with life for future generations. We are extremely pleased to see the US Acadian redfish, haddock and pollock fishery succeed in the MSC process and we hope to be their partner in creating and maintaining new markets,” added Brian Perkins, MSC’s regional director for the Americas.
To aid in upping consumer awareness for sustainable seafood in the New England area, MSC has launched a new campaign that will help consumers better identify sustainable seafood options. MSC will attend events at Whole Foods and Big Y grocery stores in greater Boston, Springfield and Great Barrington, showing off its "Good Catch!" campaign materials and promo video; the organization will also attend Green Fest and the Quincy Farmers Market.
Currently, the redfish and pollock fisheries are harvesting less than half of their annual quotas, according to MSC. All three fisheries were independently assessed by SAI Global Assurance Services, an accredited third-party conformity assessment body.
