The Alaska pollock fishery is regarded as a model for ecosystem-based sustainable fisheries management (Photo: GAPP)

World’s Largest Sustainable Fishery is Certified to the Highest Standard

Alaska Pollock, the world’s largest sustainable fishery, has received certification for Responsible Fisheries Management indicating that it fully conforms to the international guidelines set by the United Nation’s Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Alaska’s Pollock fishery has always been a source of innovation within the seafood industry and this latest certification demonstrates its ongoing effort to act as a steward for America’s greatest aquatic bounty. Such independent affirmation of responsible management further solidifies the state of Alaska’s worldwide leadership role in the sustainable harvest of wild seafood.

The Alaska pollock fishery is one of the most consistently productive and stable fisheries in the world, due to the federal management system that has been regulating the fishery for over 30 years (Photo: Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers)

“Alaska Pollock has long been recognized worldwide as a model for sustainable fisheries and having another certification further demonstrates the strength of our responsible fisheries management in Alaska,” says Randy Rice, Technical Program Director for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI).

“Furthermore, this FAO-based certification is cost effective for every member of the supply chain because there are no logo licensing fees. It means we are able to provide our customers, and through them the consumer, with an affordable and credible certification alternative”, added Rice.

FAO-Based responsible fisheries management certification assessment stages

Certification under this model reflects fishery management that is in conformity with the Code of Conduct & Eco-labelling Guidelines established by the FAO.

The FAO Code & Guidelines were created with the participation and input of the world’s governments, fishery scientists and conservationists and so they serve as the international standard for responsible management, providing the foundation for the most rigorous certification programs in the marketplace. That means the fisheries in Alaska are assessed against the world’s highest and most internationally accepted standard – something Alaskans are comfortable with because they’ve been fishing sustainably for generations.

The superior flavor and texture of Alaska Seafood is prized around the world

Thanks to its abundance and mild flavour, Alaska Pollock has always been a favourite with consumers, whether at home, in school lunches or in restaurants.

“Our customers rely on Alaska because it’s easy to explain that all Alaska seafood is sustainable thanks to our State constitution and long track record of management,” says Ray Riutta, Executive Director for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute.

“We appreciate this independent and cost effective certification of Alaska Pollock because it reaffirms what we’ve always told our customers”, says Riutta.

And according to Pat Shanahan, Program Director of the GAPP (Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers), “This robust and accredited certification provides additional value for Alaska Pollock producers and processors selling in markets where independent third-party certification is desired.”

Alaska Pollock joins Alaska’s salmon, halibut and black cod/sablefish fisheries in having been certified by the independent organization Global Trust in accordance with the FAO-Based Model for Responsible Fisheries Management. Alaska’s crab fisheries are also currently undergoing assessment, with Alaska cod and other groundfish to be assessed in 2012.

Because the certification is being provided through ASMI, there are no logo licensing fees

About Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute - ASMI

The  Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute  (ASMI) is a partnership of the State of Alaska and the Alaska seafood industry. ASMI works to promote the benefits of wild and sustainable Alaska seafood and offer seafood industry education.

For more than 50 years, Alaska has been dedicated to sustainable seafood. It’s so essential to Alaskan way of life that its constitution has a mandate that “fish … be utilized, developed and maintained on the sustained yield principle.”

The seafood industry is Alaska’s largest private sector employer. As a result, Alaskans understand the need to protect the fisheries and surrounding habitats for future generations.

Alaska’s leadership in sustainable management has led to an ever-replenishing supply of wild seafood for markets around the world.

Source: Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute

Margaret E.L. Stacey
Editor Companies and Products
[email protected]
www.seafood.media

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