Fisheries for haddock and saithe in Iceland have been certified to the Iceland Responsible Fisheries certification program.
According to Gunnar Tómasson, Iceland Responsible Fisheries Foundation chairman, certification of these two fisheries is important to the Icelandic fishing industry and confirms that industry meets market demands for the sustainable harvesting of renewable resources.
“I am pleased that the Icelandic authorities have adopted harvesting policy and formal harvest control rules for haddock and saithe fisheries in Icelandic waters, a key requirement for certification to the IRFM program. Subsequent independent third party certification of Icelandic haddock and saithe fisheries according to the highest international requirements confirms that these fisheries are well managed,” said Tómasson.
The Fisheries Association of Iceland and later the Iceland Responsible Fisheries Foundation (IRFF) developed the Iceland Responsible Fisheries certification program based on the FAO Eco-labeling Guidelines and the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Icelandic law and regulations provides for effective fisheries management based on international agreements as well as good treatment of marine resources. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea has confirmed that the adopted harvest control rules for Icelandic haddock and saithe are consistent with the Precautionary Approach to fisheries management.
Global Trust Certification of Ireland, which is part of SAI Global with operations in many countries, conducted the assessment and issued the certificates for haddock and saithe fisheries. Previously, the Icelandic cod fisheries have been certified to the IRFM program.
