MSC Development
PROGRAMME
SPSG North Sea Herring
Original Certification: 15th July 2008
Re-certification: 16th October 2022
Current Status: Certified
Certification number: SC-F-31298
MSC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Since its formation in 2007, the Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group (SPSG) has prioritised achieving and maintaining certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) eco-label scheme for all of Scotland’s pelagic fisheries. The MSC certification, an internationally recognised benchmark for sustainable and well-managed fisheries, serves as a confirmation of the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible fishing practices.
Currently, North Sea herring is certified under the MSC programme, affirming its sustainable management. However, both North-east Atlantic mackerel and blue whiting, which were previously MSC-certified, have had their certifications withdrawn.
This is due to circumstances beyond the control of the Scottish pelagic industry, specifically the actions of some coastal states that have set unilateral fishing quotas outside of internationally agreed-upon frameworks. As a result, the sustainable status of these stocks has been affected.
Despite these challenges, SPSG remains fully dedicated to re-entering these fisheries into the MSC programme for reassessment once the conditions, particularly around international quota agreements, improve.
In the interim, SPSG is actively involved in various other sustainability initiatives. These efforts are part of their broader commitment to advancing the long-term health of Scotland’s pelagic fish stocks, ensuring the future viability of the industry, and continuing to meet the expectations of eco-conscious consumers and markets.
Please find below some information videos on the MSC Programme.
What does the MSC label mean?
Sustainable fish stocks
Marine habitats and species protected
The fishery is well managed
Since its inception in 2007, the Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group (SPSG) has focused on achieving and maintaining Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for all of Scotland’s pelagic fisheries to ensure sustainable and responsible fishing practices.
While North Sea herring remains MSC-certified, the certifications for North-east Atlantic mackerel and blue whiting have been withdrawn due to unilateral quotas set by some coastal states outside of international agreements.
Despite these challenges, SPSG is committed to reassessing these fisheries for MSC certification when conditions improve, and in the meantime, is actively pursuing other sustainability initiatives to protect Scotland’s pelagic fish stocks.