The Argentine hoki trawl net fishery has been awarded Marine Stewardship Council certification, the London-based organization announced on Thursday.
This is the third fishery in Argentina to earn MSC certification, joining the scallop and anchovy fisheries.
The fishery operates in the Argentine Economic Exclusive Zone and landed 70,000 metric tons of hoki (Macruronus magellanicus) last year. Eleven vessels are included in the certification from the client group, which consists of Estremar S.A., Pespasa/Pesantar S.A., San Arawa S.A., Yuken S.A. and three companies from Grupo Valastro.
Fishing takes place year-round and is overseen by Argentia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and the Federal Fishery Council. The main product forms from the fishery are headed and gutted, frozen fillets, fish blocks and surimi. The primary markets are Japan, France, Germany, China and eastern Europe
“Hoki is a very important species in the global whitefish market, and it’s wonderful to see this Argentine fishery successfully complete assessment against the MSC standard and become part of a certified sustainable supply,” said Kerry Coughlin, MSC Americas regional director.
