Sustainable Fishing
John Balls fishing in his boat Aurora YH33
The North Devon Fisheries Association is a member of the Biosphere Partnership and the Biosphere is working hard to secure a sustainable future for North Devon's fishing industry and fish stocks.
Fish stocks all over the world are under pressure. Around 130 million tonnes of fish are taken from the seas every year and most commercial fish stocks are over exploited.
One very positive development might help redress the balance - Marine Stewardship Council certified fish. This labelling system identifies good quality fish from healthy stocks. Find out what fish are sustainable
North Devon Fishermen's Association explains that MSC certification isn't a complete solution to maintaining stocks and ensuring that fishermen can make a living,
"MSC certification doesn't guarantee premium prices for the fish but it pretty much guarantees that it will be sold on the wholesale market. That is good for the fishermen and MSC accreditation is good for consumers too, though you still need to consider where your fish has come from"
So the message is look out for MSC certification when you shop. Easy? Well yes and no. Some MSC certified fish may well have come from across the world, arriving on the fish counter iced and boxed but with what carbon footprint? Look out for the MSC label but also think local - where has your fish come from? How has it contributed to the sustainable economy of North Devon's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve?
Fish stocks all over the world are under pressure. Around 130 million tonnes of fish are taken from the seas every year and most commercial fish stocks are over exploited.
One very positive development might help redress the balance - Marine Stewardship Council certified fish. This labelling system identifies good quality fish from healthy stocks. Find out what fish are sustainable
North Devon Fishermen's Association explains that MSC certification isn't a complete solution to maintaining stocks and ensuring that fishermen can make a living,
"MSC certification doesn't guarantee premium prices for the fish but it pretty much guarantees that it will be sold on the wholesale market. That is good for the fishermen and MSC accreditation is good for consumers too, though you still need to consider where your fish has come from"
So the message is look out for MSC certification when you shop. Easy? Well yes and no. Some MSC certified fish may well have come from across the world, arriving on the fish counter iced and boxed but with what carbon footprint? Look out for the MSC label but also think local - where has your fish come from? How has it contributed to the sustainable economy of North Devon's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve?
Where to Buy Locally Landed Sea Fish in North Devon - Click image for the North Devon Boat Stories website
End of the Line - why should we be concerned about global fish stocks
