- Certifier :
- LRQA (Seafood) Limited
- Certified status :
- Certified
- Certified since :
- 05 Dec 2016
- Certificate expires :
- 11 Aug 2027
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Herring (Clupea harengus) | 2023 | 7,899 |
| Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) | 2020 | 10,701 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vessel List | 12 Aug 2022 | 1 files |
About this Fishery
Atlantic Herring (Clupea Harengus) image © Scandinavian Fishing Year Book
The mackerel (Scomber scomber) and Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) in these fisheries are targeted by three modern pelagic trawlers, from 49 to 75m long.
Mackerel spawning reaches its peak in the West of Scotland in late June to July. Herring in the North Sea are unusual in that different populations have different spawning dates, but peak activity takes place in the autumn.
The trawlers involved are equipped with state of the art technology including sonar, net and catch monitors, so the fishery can target shoals accurately and has little or no bycatch. The sea bottom is not harmed.
Total allowable catch in the fisheries is regulated at European level and are split into quotas for individual countries.
If you want to learn more about all current UK & Irish Fisheries’ journeys to certification, find out where to buy UK and Irish seafood with the blue fish, and get your hands on the latest mouth-watering recipes, visit the UK & Irish Fisheries Spotlight.