After months of wrangling over objections, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) granted its sustainability certification to the Russian Sea of Okhotsk walleye pollock fishery today.
The fishery’s certification has been in question ever since the At-Sea Processors Association filed an objection following the fishery’s initial application for certification in January. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) had initially objected as well, but changed its mind when the fishery made changes to its data collection plans.
Just last week, independent adjudicator Michael Lodge made his decision to clear the fishery for certification, provided the fishery make a number of other improvements to its operations.
“The fishery underwent an independent, scientific audit and the objection process has made the outcome of the certification even stronger and more solid,” said Alexey Buglak, executive director of the Pollock Catchers Association (PCA), the association of 45 fishing organizations that initially filed for MSC certification on behalf of the fishery.
The MSC, in announcing the certification, said Lodge’s decision showed the thoroughness of the MSC process.
“Significant and diverse stakeholder engagement in the assessment process strengthened the outcome and demonstrates there are checks and balances throughout the MSC program to ensure an outcome is scientifically rigorous and stakeholder inclusive,” said Kerry Coughlin, MSC’s Americas region director.
Jim Cannon, CEO of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, praised the MSC certification for the fishery.
“This achievement would not have been possible without important improvements to the fishery and fisheries management spearheaded by PCA,” Cannon said. “We look forward to working with the PCA and all stakeholders to implement the Action Plan to address identified conditions for the Sea of Okhotsk fishery, and progress assessments and improvements in the Western Bering Sea and Navarinsky pollock fisheries.”
