MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

South Georgia icefish fishery seeks certification

A South Georgia fishery has become the 50th fishery currently undergoing public full assessment under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard for sustainable and well-managed fisheries.

The South Georgia icefish trawl fishery, managed by Seaview Ltd, is seeking certification that, if successful, will allow its catch to bear the MSC's widely recognised ecolabel indicating sustainable, environmentally responsible fishing practices. The South Georgia icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) fishery is a pelagic trawl fishery that catches up to 2.000 tons per year and is primarily exported to markets in Eastern Europe. Icefish has a subtle flavour, with fine white flesh and a firm texture when cooked. "MSC certification is vital to the success of this fishery – and the industry," says Dick Sawle, managing director of Seaview Ltd. "We believe we have a great product with a lot of potential, and having MSC certification will lead to improved markets. It's a fascinating fish in that is caught in what are often extreme conditions, working in a hostile but pristine environment - as far south as you can get." Chris Ninnes, MSC director of operations, says: "I'm delighted that Seaview has decided to enter the South Georgia icefish fishery for full assessment. As the 50th fishery concurrently in full assessment, this is a great vote of confidence in the MSC certification programme. This is the second South Georgia fishery seeking certification to the MSC standard and I hope it will lead the way for other fisheries in the area. Markets are increasingly demanding rigorous third-party assurance of seafood sustainability, and we believe this decision will bring real and lasting benefits to the fishery." The assessment begins this month and is expected to take about a year to complete. It is being conducted by independent, certifier Moody Marine. Seaview Logistics Limited, a Falkland Islands registered company, was formed in 1990 by Falkland Islanders Dick and Judith Sawle. In partnership with Lafonia Sea Foods S.A of Spain and Seafish (Falklands) Limited, it fishes with three deep sea trawlers for Loligo squid in the Falkland Islands and icefish around South Georgia in the Antarctic. It also operates a logistical and service industry – Seaview Logistics Limited, which in turn owns and operates a cold storage facility in the Falklands and provides both management and a variety of support services to the fishing fleet in general.