- Certifier :
- LRQA (Seafood) Limited
- Certified status :
- Combined with another assessment
- Certified since :
- 25 Apr 2012
- Certificate expires :
- 01 Sep 2018
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
Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis © Scandinavian Fishing Year Book
The fishery operates in four areas of the New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to the south and southeast of the country’s South Island.
Southern blue whiting is a schooling species and highly synchronised batch spawners – they shed eggs more than once during spawning seasons. Spawning occurs at different times in latter part of the year across four areas covered by the fishery. The spawning areas are treated as separate stocks.
The major commercial fisheries in New Zealand waters are managed by the Ministry of Fisheries, through 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 a non-profit organisation formed in September 2005. An amalgamation of EEZ fisheries quota owners, the group works in close partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries. They aim to ensure New Zealand gains maximum economic yield from its deepwater fisheries resources, utilising a long term sustainable framework.
The Deepwater Group has embarked on an ambitious program to obtain MSC certification for no less than 85% of the seafood production from New Zealand’s EEZ.
Market Information
Similar to other New Zealand deep water finfish species, southern blue whiting is taken commercially and the majority is exported. The main export markets are Europe, Japan, Russia and Spain.