- Certifier :
- Global Trust Certification Ltd.
- Certified status :
- Certified
- Certified since :
- 22 Oct 2010
- Certificate expires :
- 14 Nov 2026
Overview
Fisheries are composed of one or more parts, each of which is entitled to receive an MSC certificate. These parts or “units” are defined by their target stock(s), fishing gear type(s) and if relevant vessel type(s), and the fishing fleets or groups of vessels.
When the term “Unit of Certification” is used for fishing units that are in assessment, it refers to the “Unit of Assessment” or “Unit of potential certification”. Expand a status below to view the parts that form this fishery. To check the detailed scope, download the latest certificate or open the Assessments page to get the latest report. Find out more by visiting our page on Fisheries
Engage with a Fishery Assessment
The following documents are open for stakeholder comment.
| Documents | Closes on | Files |
|---|---|---|
| Surveillance audit announcement | 03 May 2024 | 1 files |
As a stakeholder you are an essential source of information needed to conduct a meaningful assessment. To engage with a fishery assessment please register at the start of the process.
Catch by Species
| Species | Reported Catch Year | Metric Tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) | 2021 | 11,720 |
Information is provided by an independent Conformity Assessment Body as live weight (the weight of species at the time of catch, before processing) and where a fishing season covers multiple years, the end year is given as the reported catch year. Additional information is available in the latest report, see the assessments page.
Eligibility, client groups and vessel lists
A fishery may choose to define the members of the fishery certificate. These members can be vessels or other client group members (e.g. companies that own vessels and/or companies that are named as eligible to handle certified product covered within the fishery certificate scope). Please refer to the fishery certificate statement on additional product specific eligibility criteria (e.g. product eligibility limitations, eligibility date, exclusive points of landing and the point where Chain of Custody certificate is required). Please consult the fishery Public Certification Report for product eligibility rationale.
| Documents | Published on | Files |
|---|---|---|
| List of client group members | 24 Oct 2022 | 1 files |
About this Fishery
The Canadian haddock fishery operates in three set areas around the Southern Scotian Shelf, the Bay of Fundy, the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank.
Conservative management over a number of years has rebuilt stocks of haddock and other groundfish, with haddock stocks doing particularly well.
The Canadian haddock fishery is conducted primarily by vessels using otter trawls and bottom longlines, with a few handlines and gillnets. Hook size, mesh sizes and net construction are regulated to reduce capture of small fish and other species.
Haddock fishers have made significant efforts to reduce impacts on other species, including cod, white hake and skate. Cod, which is slowly recovering following overfishing, is a particular concern. For longline vessels, which catch both haddock and cod, the total allowable catch for cod has been significantly reduced. Otter trawls use a separator panel, which allows cod to escape from the trawl net while haddock remain inside.
Market Information
The main markets are for fresh and frozen haddock in Canada, the US and the EU.