Newfoundland and Labrador government lauds WWF-Canada’s work
ST. JOHN’S, April 25, 2016 – Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture has recognized the work of WWF-Canada and its partners in achieving the first certified sustainable Atlantic cod fishery in Canada.
“The 3Ps cod fishery located off Newfoundland’s south coast recently became Canada’s first Atlantic cod fishery to achieve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification,” Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, said in this recent statement in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly. “As world markets increasingly demand sustainable seafood, eco-certification is more important than ever if we are to continue to compete and market our products globally.”
The recent MSC certification of the southern Newfoundland cod fishery – known by its Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Subdivision of 3Ps – comes after the successful completion of a WWF-led Fishery Improvement Project (FIP). The FIP was a collaborative project that included partners from industry, governments and NGOs, and was designed to improve the health of the fishery so it could enter into the independent MSC certification process.
WWF-Canada now aims to develop the northern Newfoundland cod fishery known as 2J3KL toward the same MSC certification. This recent assessment sets the course for next steps in the 2J3KL Fishery Improvement Project, which is a partnership with the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union, the Seafood Producers of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Fogo Island Co-op.
Statement from David Miller, WWF-Canada’s president and CEO:
“WWF-Canada would like to thank the Honourable Steve Crocker for recognizing the importance of sustainable fisheries. We’re proud to have played a part in helping the 3Ps cod fishery reach the MSC standard and nurturing the 2J3KL fishery toward the same goal. As the world’s best standard for sustainable and well-managed fisheries, the MSC certification is a tremendous achievement that shows how collaboration across sectors can improve the health of fish stocks and benefit the communities that depend on them.”
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For further information
Philippe Devos, director of communications, [email protected], +1 416-453-0092