- Certifier :
- Global Trust Certification Ltd.
- Certified status :
- Certified
- Certified since :
- 19 Oct 2017
- Certificate expires :
- 30 May 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) | 2021 | 13,271 |
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 | 18 Dec 2019 | 1 files |
About this Fishery
In 1980-1990 around 75-90% of Greenland halibut catches were caught by Icelanders. Catches were the highest around 50,000-60,000 tonnes in 1987-1989, the majority of which was caught in Icelandic waters ( around 95%). Since 1990 Icelandic catches have gone down and are now around 50-60%. The main fishing areas in the Icelandic Exclusive Economic Zone are in deep waters west of Iceland but halibut is also caught north and east of Iceland. Greenland halibut is also caught in deep waters east of Greenland and east and south of the Faroe Islands.
The vessels under assessment are part of the Iceland Sustainable Fisheries (ISF) group. The purpose of ISF is to obtain certifications for Icelandic fisheries. The group was founded in 2012 and a number of ISF operations have already been MSC certified.
Market Information
Greenland halibut is exported to a number of countries especially in Asia as well as Europe. The main European markets are United Kingdom, France, Germany and Spain.