- Certifier :
- Organizacion Internacional Agropecuaria (OIA)
- Certified status :
- Certified
- Certified since :
- 07 Dec 2006
- Certificate expires :
- 28 Jun 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamis patagonica) | 2022 | 47,803 |
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 | 10 Apr 2024 | 1 files |
About this Fishery
The Patagonian scallop fishery operates off the coast of Argentina. It was first MSC certified in 2006 and again in 2012. It entered its second re-assessment in 2016.
The scallops live at depths of 40-200 metres and inhabit soft bottom, mainly muddy-sandy substrates. The fishing method used consists of two trawl nets that operate on each side of the vessel. The gear has a total length of 13 metres. The mouth of the net is held open by two large "doors" which are attached to either side of the net. The average towing time is about 15 minutes and the catch is processed mechanically on board. Any bycatch and non-commercial size scallops are separated and returned to the sea during the first 5 minutes after a haul is finished.
"The assessment of our fishery, as part of the MSC certification process, brought experience from other countries – not just Argentina. That international input has obliged us to go deeper in our research, as well as opening up some good discussions. We welcome that."
- Eduardo Gonzalez Lemmi, President, Glaciera Pesquera SA, Argentina (fishery client)
Market Information
Approximately 50% of the frozen-at-sea scallops are sold to European markets; an additional 40% is sold into US. Most of the remainder are sold to Canadian markets.