Russian salmon fisheries earn MSC eco-label

Russia’s Iturup Island pink and chum salmon harvests on Thursday were awarded Marine Stewardship Council certification as sustainable and well-managed fisheries.

The fisheries are Russia’s first and the 55th worldwide to earn the MSC eco-label.

Managed by the Russian government and private seafood-processing and shipping company J.S.C. Gidrostroy, the fisheries use stationary traps in offshore waters. Hatcheries exist in two of the river systems. The salmon are sold domestically and exported to Europe, Asia and North America.

“We are very proud to become the first Russian fishery to receive the MSC certificate. Attaining such international recognition for our fisheries and management practices validates our long-term commitment to sustainable resource management,” said Alexander Verkhovsky, J.S.C. Gidrostroy president.

“MSC certification, together with traceability procedures already in place, assure our customers that our products meet or exceed requirements for legally caught and processed wild, sustainable fish,” added Verkhovsky. “In addition, it underscores our longstanding dedication to ensure that this resource will be here for future generations.”

More than 150 fisheries worldwide are engaged in the London-based MSC program, with 55 certified, more than 100 in full assessment and 40 to 50 in confidential pre-assessment.

Last week, the Atlantic deep-sea red crab harvest becoming the first U.S. East Coast fishery, second crab fishery and 54th overall to earn the MSC eco-label.

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