- Certifier :
- Control Union (UK) Limited
- Certified status :
- Certified
- Certified since :
- 02 Jun 2011
- Certificate expires :
- 19 Nov 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 |
|---|---|---|
| European lobster (Homarus gammarus) | 2022 | 219 |
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
This cross-border, artisanal fishery includes around 130 small fishing boats catching lobsters using pots.
The fishery is spread across three areas: North and West Cotentin (Basse Normandie, France), Jersey (UK Crown Dependency) and Granville Bay (shared fishery between Basse Normandie and Jersey). Together, the fishers catch a total of 270 – 290 tonnes of lobsters each year.
The fishery has a long history of international management and Granville Bay was the subject of the first ever international fishing treaty in 1839. The most recent agreement, The Bay of Granville Treaty, signed in 2000, provides a detailed framework for management by all those involved, including fishers, scientists and administrators. The agreement led to many sustainability measures, including regulations on minimum landing size, limited vessel licenses and a maximum number of pots per vessel.
European lobsters are caught year-round but have a seasonal peak in the summer. They feed at night – mostly on smaller invertebrates – when they are caught in pots baited with small amounts of low-value bycatch species from other fisheries.
"Shellfish, particularly lobster and its management has, for decades, been well focused and a high priority issue for Jersey. Our fisheries agreement, regular meetings and excellent relations with our Normandy neighbours with whom we share the fishery, make MSC certification a highly significant achievement and a wonderful testimony to the joint efforts invested in lobster management measures."
- Don Thompson, Chairman of Jersey Fishermen's Association
Normandy and Jersey lobster fisherman © Edouard Le Bart / MSC
Market Information
The main commercial markets for the lobster are France and Spain, and to a lesser extent, Italy.