The Icelandic exporting company Sæmark’s cod and haddock fisheries have been awarded Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification following independent assessment against the MSC standard for sustainable and well-managed fisheries. These are the first fisheries in Iceland to achieve MSC certification and cod and haddock caught by the Sæmark fishing fleet will be the first Icelandic cod and haddock, eligible to carry the internationally recognised, blue MSC ecolabel.
Sæmark's associates catch cod and haddock year-round using long-lines, handlines, and Danish seines mainly off the west and north-west coasts of Iceland. The MSC certificate includes 22 boats supplying four fish-processing companies associated with Sæmark Seafood Ltd. Once landed, MSC-certified fresh and frozen cod and haddock will be exported to its main markets in the USA, UK, and continental Europe. Salted fish is exported to Spain, Italy and Greece.
Fishing is one of Iceland’s most important industries. It provides 40 per cent of export income and employs 7 per cent of the workforce. Cod and haddock have been caught in Icelandic waters for centuries and are considered the most important species by the Icelandic fishing industry – both culturally and economically.
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