- Certifier :
- Control Union (UK) Limited
- Certified status :
- Certified
- Certified since :
- 17 Apr 2012
- Certificate expires :
- 03 Sep 2028
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
Catch by Species
| Species | Reported Catch Year | Metric Tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) | 2021 | 103.7 |
| Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) | 2021 | 4,490.8 |
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.
About this Fishery
Cod is the most iconic fishery species of the North Atlantic. It can be found from the surface down to around 600m depth, but is most abundant between 150m and 200m.
Haddock, which is closely related, has a similar geographic range to cod. It tends to be found slightly shallower than cod, preferring a depth range of ~75-200m, although it can also be found down to 600m.
The three certified Euronor vessels use otter boards (trawl doors) of 8.3m2, with 140mm mesh. The Grande Hermine uses 2000 kg trawl doors of 7.2m2. The Grande Hermine, belonging to the Compagnie des Pêches Saint-Malo, uses 140mm mesh in winter and 150mm in summer, since in the fishery’s experience this helps to avoid catching juvenile fish during the summer. The legal minimum mesh size is 130mm.
The trawl must also include a sorting grid. Regulations require a 50mm grill, but Euronor and the Grande Hermine use an 80mm grill. This also helps to eliminate small fish without damage.
When fishing at Bear Island, Svalbard, the vessels use an escapement panel of 160-170mm square mesh during late June and July, again to eliminate juvenile fish.
Market Information
Most fish is sold in France and western Europe.