Southern Blue Whiting exporter welcomes thumbs up

Media release from Sealord Group Ltd

Largest Southern Blue Whiting exporter welcomes sustainability thumbs up

Opportunities will increase for the country’s largest exporter of Southern Blue Whiting following endorsement from a leading global fishing sustainability programme.

Sealord, the largest quota holder of Southern Blue Whiting, is delighted the fishery has been certified against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) sustainability standards.

Sealord CEO, Graham Stuart says MSC recognition the Southern Blue Whiting fishery is sustainable is an additional assurance for customers.

“As New Zealand’s largest exporter of Southern Blue Whiting, Sealord is delighted the work of our industry and government to ensure fishing is sustainable has been endorsed,” said Stuart.

MSC certification means independent assessments show the stocks are healthy, fishing practices have a minimal impact on the marine eco-system and the fishery is well managed.

Sealord is the largest quota holder of Southern Blue Whiting, with 27% of the total allowable commercial catch (TACC). The quota management system ensures all New Zealand fish are responsibly caught.

“Sealord exports Southern Blue Whiting to retailers, wholesalers and restaurant chains in the USA, Asia and Europe. New Zealand waters provide the best tasting and whitest Southern Blue Whiting in the world.

“MSC certification will help with our export business. More customers and consumers are looking for high quality, sustainable protein and independent, science-based assessment programmes are a good way to provide assurance to these people,” said Stuart.

Southern Blue Whiting was New Zealand’s fourth largest deep water export species by value in 2011. It joins Hoki and Albacore Tuna as New Zealand’s third fishery to receive MSC certification.

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