- Certifier :
- LRQA (Seafood) Limited
- Certified status :
- Certified
- Certified since :
- 24 Jun 2014
- Certificate expires :
- 30 Sep 2025
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Northern pike (Esox lucius) | 2022 | 10.5 |
| Walleye (Sander vitreus) | 2022 | 13.5 |
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
Waterhen Lake is in Manitoba, Canada. Since 2014 it has been the location for two certified fisheries, where gillnets are used to catch walleye (Sander vitreum) and Northern pike (Esox lucius).
Walleye are native to the freshwaters of North America, and Waterhen Lake is in the centre of their range of distribution. They have a tapetum lucidum on the retina (a layer of tissue which reflects light, improving vision when light is limited) and so are adapted to feed in crepuscular or nocturnal conditions. Their vision also means they are tolerant of a wide range of turbid conditions.
Northern pike has broad global distribution. It is found primarily in fresh water in a circumpolar band around the world from 35 to 75° North. Pike is a keystone piscivore (fish-eater) species, which has commercial, recreational and subsistence value. In North America commercial fisheries are restricted to northern portions of its distribution, while it is most important recreationally in the south.
Walleye in a commercial gillnet image © Geoff Klein / Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship
Market Information
Most walleye and pike from the lake is simply processed (filleted, minced etc.) and sold fresh, with the rest sold frozen.