- Certifier :
- LRQA (Seafood) Limited
- Certified status :
- Combined with another assessment
- Certified since :
- 16 Sep 2014
- Certificate expires :
- 15 Sep 2019
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.
Attention
Some or all units that participated in this fishery are now covered by another assessment. Please see the New Zealand hake, hoki, ling and Southern blue whiting for more information.
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 | 11 Nov 2016 | 1 files |
About this Fishery
The fishery operates in five areas of the New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where Ling are widely distributed throughout the middle depths (200–800 metres). Ling, also known as pink cusk-eel, live to a maximum age of about 30 years.
The major commercial fisheries in New Zealand waters are managed by the Ministry of Fisheries using a quota management system (QMS). Within this, fisheries sustainability objectives are achieved by setting a total allowable catch (TAC) that is consistent with the productivity of a fishery.
The Deepwater Group, under which the fishery operates, is an amalgamation of EEZ fisheries quota owners. The group works in partnership with the Ministry to ensure New Zealand gains maximum economic yield from its deepwater fisheries resources, utilising a long term sustainable framework.
"This achievement is a testament to the New Zealand seafood sector’s ongoing commitment to sustainable utilisation and their ongoing partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries to ensure these fisheries are managed for the future." Deepwater Group Chief Excutive, George Clement on the fishery’s MSC certification.
Fishing methods
Trawl vessels use high aspect ratio multipurpose doors which allow both bottom and midwater operation. They use an electronic net monitoring system (Furuno CN22/24), which monitors the headline height, groundrope/seabed relationship and water temperature.
Ling is also targeted by bottom-set longline, using the autoline system for the majority of catches. The autoline system uses lines set on the bottom, predominately from 5 to 15 km long. The larger autoliners operate under conservation measures set by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). These have various bird bycatch mitigation controls which are highly effective.
Market Information
The majority of catch (over 90%) is exported - to Australia, Europe, Japan, Korea and South Africa.