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| The Ajax was one of 15 Cornish boats to be certified be certified by the MSC back in 2015 |
The Cornish hake fishery is celebrating after once again being certified to the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) sustainability standards, the third time across more than 10 years of being recognised for its leading efforts in fishing sustainably.
The fleet, that fishes out of Newlyn and is managed by the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation (CFPO), has experienced larger catches, higher prices, improved market access and a boost to its reputation since its first MSC certification back in 2015, according to detailed research by the New Economics Foundation.
Antony Hosking, who operates two vessels in the Cornish hake fishery fleet, said the crew are looking forward to enjoying the benefits that MSC certification brings for a further five years. “The MSC certification means a whole lot to the South West industry and our company,” Antony said. “It's a very important fishery providing a fantastic product and employing lots of people here in the South West. Make no mistake, there are financial benefits to the MSC accreditation and it gives us better marketing opportunities for our catch."
Not only does this represent a success story for the fishermen and all those in jobs related to the fishery, but for hake stocks too, which suffered significant declines as recently as the late 1990s. The work the CFPO has done to reduce its environmental impact has also been noted in its MSC assessments.
Lewis Tattersall, MSC UK & Ireland Fisheries Senior Outreach Manager, said: “The transformation of the Cornish Hake Fishery is one of the very best examples in UK waters of the difference a forward-thinking organisation can make. “By fully embracing the necessity and ethos of MSC certification, the CFPO has overseen a remarkable change in the fortunes of this increasingly popular fish while enjoying the financial rewards too.”
Since recertification in 2020, work to reduce bycatch is continuing to show positive results. The use of acoustic deterrent devices, or “pingers”, remains effective in minimising harbour porpoise interactions, and the fleet is also leading trials of new technologies to further reduce its bycatch. These include the use of passive acoustic deterrents to limit noise in shallow and coastal waters, as well as modified “pearl nets” which are designed to make nets easier for marine mammals to detect and avoid.
CFPO CEO Chris Ranford, said: “Cornwall’s fishing industry is committed to leading on sustainability, and this MSC recertification proves it. It reflects years of hard work and innovation from our fishermen to fish responsibly and protect the long-term health of our seas. The Cornish hake fishery shows clearly that sustainable fishing and strong, successful businesses go hand in hand, and we are proud to see that recognised once again.” The news comes after Newlyn was one of four coastal towns across the country to be selected for a major Spring advertising campaign by the MSC, encouraging consumers to enjoy and protect their favourite seafood dishes by looking for its blue ecolabel when shopping or dining out – during the Easter holidays and beyond.
The MSC’s ‘Buy Blue Protect Dinner’ adverts in Newlyn championed two classic dishes that can be enjoyed with sustainably-caught Cornish hake – Fish Pie and Fish and Chips – while highlighting how the blue MSC ecolabel helps protect our favourite seafood for many generations and dinners to come.
MSC’s campaign promoting sustainable UK fisheries ended on Sunday 19 April, but with MSC certified hake available year-round the fishery provides consumers with a delicious, local and sustainable any day of the year.
