Haddock and saithe fisheries re-certified to IRFM standard
On the 23rd of January 2015, an independent certification committee of Global Trust/SAI Global awarded re-certification to the Icelandic Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) and Saithe (Pollachius virens) fisheries. Certification demonstrates that the fisheries are managed in a responsible manner according to internationally recognised criteria and is a testament to the continued development of Icelandic fisheries.
The certification is to the Icelandic FAO Based Responsible Fisheries Management Specification (Version 1.1). The assessment was in accordance with the third party, ISO65 accredited system of Global Trust/SAI Global, and provides a credible and independent certification of responsible fisheries management.
The assessment included a thorough review of the Icelandic fisheries management system including laws, regulations and operations; the Individual Transferable Quota system; data collection, research and stock assessment; enforcement activities and an assessment of the fisheries effects on the ecosystem. Overall, the assessment concluded that the management system and harvest control rules (HCR) adopted a precautionary approach, allowing for responsible harvesting and careful treatment of the wider ecosystem.
The Haddock quota for the current fishing year (Sept 2014 – August 2015) is 30,400 tonnes and Saithe 58,000 tonnes. Further information about the status of the fish stocks is available in the Marine Research Institute’s annual stock status report.
The final certification reports will be posted on the IRF website (www.ResponsibleFisheries.is) shortly.
Download the press release here.
For further information, please contact Finnur Gardarsson, Project Manager IRF Foundation, finnur@fiskifelag.is, Tel +354 896 2400, or Gudny Karadottir, Director, Food - Fisheries & Agriculture Division of Promote Iceland, and Marketing Manager of Iceland Responsible Fisheries, gudny@promoteiceland.is Tel. +354 693 3233.