Canadian offshore shrimp fishery gains MSC certificate

The Canadian offshore northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) and striped shrimp (Pandalus montagui) fishery has earned Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification following an independent review against the MSC standard for sustainable, well-managed fisheries, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to MSC.

The Canadian Association of Prawn Producers (CAPP) and Northern Coalition are the clients, and shrimp products from all 17 offshore shrimp license holders that comprise these two client groups are now eligible to bear the blue MSC ecolabel. 
About the Canadian offshore northern shrimp and striped shrimp fishery

The fishery operates within Canada's North West Atlantic Exclusive Economic Zone and three Units of Certification exist under this certificate-one for northern shrimp harvested in Shrimp Fishing Areas (SFA) 2-6, one for northern shrimp harvested in SFA 7, and one for striped shrimp harvested in SFAs 2-4. Fishing by large factory-freezer vessels operating in all three units is by otter trawl with a Nordmore grate system to minimize bycatch. The fishery also has 100 percent independent observer coverage.

The offshore shrimp fishery takes place year-round with seasonal movements in different areas dictated by ice conditions. Recent landings by the fleet are approximately 50,000- 60,000 metric tons per year. Products from the fishery are sold frozen-at-sea, raw and cooked shell-on, and are marketed primarily in Russia, Ukraine, China, Japan and Western Europe.
What the fishery says

Bruce Chapman, executive director of CAPP, says: "The Canadian offshore shrimp industry is pleased to have our fisheries independently certified as sustainable and well-managed. We anticipate a strong positive response from buyers and welcome the recognition that our sustainability practices will receive from reaching this milestone."
What the MSC says

"MSC congratulates The Canadian Association of Prawn Producers and Northern Coalition on this milestone," said Kerry Coughlin, regional director for MSC Americas. "MSC-certified shrimp is in demand in many markets around the world and this additional supply will be welcome by fish buyers and consumers alike."
About the certifier

Moody Marine Ltd. was the independent certifier for this assessment. During the assessment, the three principles of the MSC standard were evaluated in detail: the status of the fish stock, the impact of the fishery on the marine ecosystem and the management system overseeing the fishery. More information about the Canadian offshore northern shrimp and striped shrimp fishery and the complete Public Certification Report detailing the fishery's scores against the MSC standard can be found on MSC's web site at www.msc.org/track-a-fishery/certified.