SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES
Almost half the fish consumed worldwide is still caught in the wild as opposed to being farmed. And that is as it should be, because wild fish and seafood are a high-quality, renewable resource. We just have to treat them with respect so that we can keep them that way in future. We also need to keep a firm eye on aquatic habitats and the wellbeing of those who catch and process the fish.
The Naturland Wild Fish standard for sustainable fisheries provides the correct framework for achieving this. The Naturland Wild Fish certification is geared primarily towards small, artisan fisheries and those that set a particularly good example. Whether the fish are caught at sea, in lakes or in rivers, certified fisheries benefit from a premium label and customers enjoy their fish with a clear conscience.
WHAT IS NATURLAND WILD FISH?
In addition to the general regulations on sustainable fisheries, Naturland collaborates with independent experts to define specific additional requirements on an ecological, social and economic level for each individual fishery. The supplementary requirements are highly customised to deal with the specific challenges faced by each fishery and updated every two years based on their latest circumstances. They are always set in consultation with external experts and the fishery itself. Once finalised, the requirements must be met in full. Furthermore, fisheries with a Naturland Wild Fish certification must adhere to our obligatory social standards at all stages of the value chain. Last but not least, Naturland Wild Fish products must be processed in accordance with the Naturland standards for organic products and thoroughly inspected.
What we stand for
YOUR CONTACT
Saithe, Germany
- Fishing zone: FAO 27, Northern North Sea and Skagerrak 4a, b and 3a20
- Fishing methods: Pelagic and semi-pelagic otter trawl
- Targeted fish species: Pollock (Pollachius virens), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), hake (Merluccius merluccius)
- Number of fisheries: 2
- Number of boats: 2 (IRIS, Janne Kristin)
- Boat size: Approx. 40 metres
Two German fishing boats are currently certified and operate in the northern part of the North Sea, predominantly catching pollock but also haddock and hake using semi-pelagic otter trawls. The boats mainly depart from the Danish port of Hanstholm on multi-day fishing trips. The fish are gutted on board and put on ice ready for further processing on land.
This highly selective pollock fishery endeavours to minimise its impact on the marine ecosystem. As such, special nets with low yarn strength and high mesh widths are used. Lighter nets minimise mileage and contact with the seabed. Finally, using a wider mesh gives smaller, younger fish the chance to escape. The boats are also restricted to specific fishing corridors based on detailed marine charts and expert opinions.
Tuna, Azores
- Fishing zone: 27.10 (Azores) and 34.1.2 (Madeira)
- Fishing methods: Fishing rods
- Targeted fish species: Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), albacore (Thunnus alalunga)
- Number of fishermen: Approx. 40
- Number of boats: Approx. 10
- Boat size: Max. 31 metres
In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean lies a cluster of Portuguese islands named the Azores. As well as being a long-standing tradition here, artisan fishing is also a major industry alongside agriculture and tourism. Respecting the sea and its resources is something the fishermen of the Azores do as a matter of course in order to safeguard their future livelihoods. They also have the support of both scientists and politicians.
The fishermen of APASA, a fishing cooperative based in Faial, have specialised in catching tuna – predominantly skipjack tuna and albacore tuna. They have been catching their fish for generations using just fishing rods. This method of fishing is highly selective and has no detrimental effect on the marine environment. The fishing season starts in June and ends in September, as this is when the shoals of tuna swim past the islands.
The fish are processed in a small regional factory in São Jorge. This is where they produce high-quality tinned products mainly by hand. The factory is the largest employer on the island.
Scup, Rhode Island
- Fishing Zone: FAO 21
- Fishing Methods: Otter trawl
- Target Species: Scup (Stenotomus chrysops)
- Number of Vessels: 3 (FV Titan, FV Northstar, FV Prevail)
- Vessel Size: Maximum 151 feet
Over the course of the year, Scup migrates long distances along the U.S. East Coast, moving southward and offshore in winter, and northward and closer to the coast in summer. For fishers in Rhode Island, the main fishing seasons for Scup are therefore autumn and winter.
The demersal fish are caught using otter trawl nets. Sensitive habitats are avoided in order to protect the seabed. The porgy stock in the Mid-Atlantic is healthy. Since the mid-1990s, the so-called spawning stock biomass - the amount of reproductively mature fish - has been steadily increasing.
Three vessels in Rhode Island are currently certified for sustainable fishing, focusing predominantly catching scup using otter trawls.
Operations strictly avoid marine protected areas and gear-restricted zones, while complying to regulations that include minimum mesh size requirements, size limits, and bycatch restrictions.
THE PATH TO CERTIFICATION
