FSK-PO demands removal of MSC environmental label from destructive fishing

Danish Fishermen’s Association demands removal of MSC environmental label from destructive fishing

The label MSC is an environmental label that claims to ensure consumers are purchasing fish from sustainable fishing, but according to the coastal fishermen in the association for Small-Scale, Low Impact Fishermen’s Organization (FSK-PO) in Denmark, the MSC certification of beam-trawling in Skagerrak and the North Sea is far from being sustainable fishing.

Therefore, the coastal fishermen now demand the removal of the MSC label from beam-trawling fisheries.

“Beam-trawling is an incredibly destructive fishing method. Not only does it harm the seabed and fish stocks, but it also affects Danish coastal fishing communities. We fishermen in Thorup Strand have experienced declining catches and damaged fishing grounds for years. This is due to the increasing number of beam trawlers in the area. It is simply an insult to both nature and coastal fishermen, that fish from these boats can be landed and sold as sustainable,” says Per Olsen, a coastal fisherman from the Thorup Strand.

A beam trawl is a fishing gear that is dragged along the seabed. It consists of a trawl net that is kept open by iron beams that dig into the seabed. And it is not only the coastal fishermen who consider beam-trawling as a destructive fishing method.

“There is a broad consensus, including among researchers and environmental organizations, that beam-trawling is one of the most destructive fishing methods. Norway implemented a total ban on beam-trawling last year” adds the director of the FSK-PO, David Lange.

Per Olsen from Thorup Strand continued:

“In addition to the fact that, in our opinion, beam-trawling should not be marketed as sustainable, we also believe that beam-trawling should be completely phased out in the EU.”

Beam-trawling will undergo an audit or review after the summer holidays. During an audit, a certification body, recognized by the Marine Stewardship Council, will assess the fishery according to MSC’s criteria. The FSK-PO has contacted the certification body and requested the suspension of MSC certification for beam-trawling fisheries during the upcoming audit. The association has also reached out to MSC Denmark, urging them not to certify beam-trawling fisheries.

Source: Press Release