White Fish Goes ‘Green’
New Zealand hoki carries the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, recognising the industry’s efforts in sustainability. Hoki is the world’s first large, whitefish stock to achieve this standard - a fact that will prove a growing advantage in export markets where consumers worry about over-fishing and its ecological and social consequences.
The MSC is an independent, global, non-profit organisation, founded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Unilever in 1997. The eco-label is supported by environmental and consumer interest groups worldwide.
Only New Zealand hoki, Alaskan salmon, West Australian rock lobster and Thames blackwater herring fisheries have so far met the MSC standard. A key factor in the success of the hoki fisheries has been the industry's involvement in fisheries management - something shared by other stocks managed under New Zealand's Quota Management System.
To achieve MSC certification, a fishery is assessed on three key criteria: the state of the target fish stock; the impact of the fishery on the ecosystem; and the management systems in place to safeguard both these things. The assessment is carried out by an independent, third party (in the case of hoki, this was the Dutch company, SGS).
MSC certification shows a fishery is being managed sustainably, thus guaranteeing the source of supply. Certified products also appeal to Europe's growing number of eco-conscious consumers. The Hoki Fishery Management Company has been aware of the growing public concerns over sustainability of fish resources - a situation particularly acute in European and North American markets. Having New Zealand’s hoki fishery assessed against the ‘green’ benchmark standard set by the MSC, secures the country’s position in these important, environmentally aware markets.
Further Information
New Zealand hoki
Jim Mace
Phone +64 3 548 8019
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