Certifier : 
Acoura Marine Limited trading as LRQA
Certified status : 
Certified
Certified since : 
30 Oct 2012
Certificate expires : 
28 Apr 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

Units of Certification & Certificate Information

  • Certified
    MSC UoC Number Species Gear Type Ocean Area Certificate Code
    UoC-0712 Cockle (Cerastoderma edule) Miscellaneous Gear: Hand raked 27 (Atlantic, Northeast) MSC-F-31337 (F-ACO-0091)
    UoC-0677 Cockle (Cerastoderma edule) Miscellaneous Gear: Hand raked 27 (Atlantic, Northeast) MSC-F-31337 (F-ACO-0091)

View glossary of terms

Catch by Species

Species Reported Catch Year Metric Tonnes
Cockle (Cerastoderma edule) 2021 149

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

The Dutch hand-raked cockle fishery (certified in 2012) is situated in the sensitive habitat of the Wadden Sea and the Oosterschelde. In order to protect these extremely vulnerable habitats and leave enough food for birds, the cockles are removed by hand from the mud flats.

In the past the fishery was strongly criticised by environmental organisations. This led to the fishery to work with other organisations to develop a long-term fishery plan. For example, foraging areas near important breeding and resting areas of birds have now been closed permanently, creating a wildlife sanctuary.

MSC certification has also contributed to economic and social benefits for the region.

"Our fishery is very special, because it is truly done by handDemand for sustainable shellfish is growing strongly. The MSC ecolabel means we can use new sales channels for cockles in their shell and for the meat." 

- Bert Keus, Chairman of the Association of cockle hand-rakers

Netherland hand-rake cockle fishing image © RienkNadema

Market Information

The fishery's main markets are France and Spain.