The certification enables buyers to be assured a fishery is sustainably managed, and offers a means to track the product through the supply system, according to Kerry Coughlin, MSC Americas regional director.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, which represents the state's salmon industry in MSC certification, said the majority of processors "now feel it is time to redirect their resources toward a broader marketing message." It also said swift action was necessary "to resolve the issue and quell speculation and confusion in the salmon market."
The action came after eight processors, which collectively handle more than 70 percent of the state harvest, told the foundation they would pull out of the program. One industry source said there was frustration with the rising complexity of the program, and concerns that some Alaska salmon might end up certified as sustainable while other harvests might not.
KMXT in Kodiak adds:
[Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute] Executive Director Ray Riutta said in an announcement that ASMI will provide third-party certification through the Alaska FAO-based Responsible Fisheries Management program. FAO is the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization. ASMI spokesman Tyson Fick says the cost for the program will not be passed on to producers.
Read more at The Seattle Times.
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