A Seattle based fishing organization will resume certification of the Alaska salmon fishery under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard for sustainable fisheries.
The process was suspended in January when a group of Alaska salmon processors requested the previous MSC client, Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, to withdraw from the program. The Purse Seine Vessel Owners Association (PSVOA), which represents fishing vessel owners operating along the West Coast and throughout Alaska, will serve as the new MSC client. “We have been contacted by a number of salmon processors wanting to maintain the MSC program for Alaska salmon”, said Bob Kehoe, executive director for
PSVOA.
History
When first certified in 2000 Alaska salmon became the flagship fishery for MSC certification. “The MSC program brought sustainability to the forefront, reinforcing 50 years of responsible State salmon management and the unique qualities of wild Alaska salmon,” said Kehoe. “Fishermen are receiving higher
prices for their catch and proof of sustainability has been a contributing factor.”
Hoping to avoid interruption
The current MSC certification for Alaska salmon expires in October. “We are optimistic that by restarting the certification now we can avoid any interruption in the availability of the MSC label. The MSC is the trademark for sustainability in many salmon markets, especially Europe,” said Kehoe.
Source: Marine Stewardship Council
