Sustainable fish and chips on the menu as Scottish haddock wins MSC certificate

Certified sustainable haddock could be a regular feature in fish and chip shops across the UK after the Scottish haddock fishery was certified as a sustainable and well-managed fishery. The Scottish Fisheries Sustainable Accreditation Group (SFSAG) North Sea haddock certification follows a 20 month independent assessment against the Marine Stewardship Council standard, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to MSC.

Mike Park, Chair of SFSAG said: "The Scottish industry has been involved in a number of initiatives to demonstrate its sustainability and today is a significant milestone, illustrating the progress that has been made in a relatively short period of time.  Achieving MSC accreditation for North Sea haddock will enable the industry to prove its credentials to the supply chain, through a recognised and independently verified standard, and ensure that the top quality haddock landed by Scottish vessels is available to as many consumers as possible."
About the fishery

The SFSAG fishery includes 192 boats fishing for haddock with a combination of fishing gears in the northern and central areas of the North Sea. Worth £34 million each year, the fleet catches 27,507 metric tonnes of haddock - most of which is sold in the European markets.
Making their marks

The first UK supermarket to stock MSC certified Scottish haddock will be Marks and Spencer. "It's never been more important to support our fishing industry by ensuring its sustainability. We've had a sustainable fishing policy in place for over a decade and are delighted that Scottish haddock has received MSC certification" said Richard Luney, M&S Wild Fish & Aquaculture Manager.

MSC labelled Scottish Smoked Haddock will be available in M&S stores from the 3rd November.
Cultural importance

Steven Tait, Senior Marine Stewardship Council International Manager added: "The certification of Scottish haddock is a testament to the hard work, dedication and sustainable fishing practices of the haddock fishermen that make up the SFSAG" says Steven Tait, "I know that UK and European retailers and restaurants have been looking forward to this fishery's certification and today they see their patience rewarded. Scottish haddock is culturally one of the most important UK, MSC certified fisheries and I am sure that we will start to see MSC certified Scottish haddock on menus and on dinner tables across Europe in the near future."