The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) on Monday released a statement regarding the Marine Stewardship Council certification of the Alaska salmon fishery.
“The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute would like to clarify that although the bulk of the Alaska salmon fishery has earned MSC certification, the majority of Alaska salmon processing companies (27 companies in total) will not be selling MSC certified Alaska salmon. This means approximately over 80 percent of the Alaska salmon supply will not carry to MSC eco-label,” the statement said.
ASMI said the Alaska salmon industry remains steadfast in its support for choice in certification, which is why the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification program is gaining so much momentum.
“It’s important that buyers understand and not be confused by the recent Alaska salmon MSC certification announcement. The Purse Seine Vessel Owners Association (PSVOA) is the MSC client for Alaska salmon, but this means that even though a portion of the fishery is MSC certified, only about 20 percent of the salmon harvest could be called out as MSC certified,” said Michael Cerne, ASMI executive director. “The announcement of MSC certification of Alaska salmon should not be interpreted as a change in the decision by the dozens of companies to no longer sell and support MSC Alaska salmon.
“The discussion of the merits of one certification program versus another is irrelevant to the sustainability of a fishery with a proven track record of over 50 years of responsible management. Alaska salmon has taken a precautionary approach to management ever since the sustained yield principle was written into the State Constitution during which time we have seen runs rebuilt to record levels.”
