The U.S. North Pacific halibut and the U.S. North Pacific sablefish fisheries that operate in territorial waters off the coast of Alaska, Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska have earned re-certification to the MSC standard for sustainable and well-managed fisheries.
A client group comprised of the Fishing Vessel Owners Association and Deep Sea Fishermen’s Union entered the fisheries into re-certification. With re-certification, products from these fisheries can continue to carry the MSC ecolabel that assures buyers and consumers the seafood can be traced back to a MSC-certified sustainable fishery.
About the fisheries
The U.S. North Pacific halibut (Hippoglosus stenolepis) is a bottom hook and longline fishery that uses hook size and design to harvest the target species while minimizing incidental by-catch or impact on the marine ecosystem. Besides Alaska, a small portion of the harvest occurs off the coast of Washington. The halibut harvest is approximately 24,000 metric tonnes annually, with North America the major market for the catch, although some product is exported to the United Kingdom and Europe. Halibut, which can grow to 500 pounds, is a popular fish with consumers and is used in products ranging from fish and chips to dinner entrées.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Marine Stewardship Council
