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The Pelagic Freezer-trawler Association (PFA) is an association that represents the interests of eight European pelagic trawler owners at international level. The PFA currently has members in England, France, Germany and The Netherlands, all operating pelagic freezer-trawlers that catch and process pelagic fish for human consumption. These are mostly family businesses that have been active in the industry for 50 years or more.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an independent, global, non-profit organisation with its head office in London. It has developed an environmental standard for sustainable and well-managed fisheries that uses a ‘blue tick’ product label for consumer recognition. The MSC standard is based on the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and under its voluntary scheme, any fishery can apply to be assessed. This process is undertaken by independent certification bodies such as Moody Marine Ltd, which have been accredited by the MSC.
MSC Certification:
The assessment of the PFA North Sea Herring Fishery against MSC Principles and Criteria began in November 2002, and was undertaken by independent body Moody Marine Ltd. Its findings were reviewed by a peer panel and incorporated along with stakeholder comments, into a final report recommending certification.North Sea Herring (Clupea harengus):
Small pelagic fish which swim in shoals and often migrate over large distances. Clupea harengus can be found at depths down to 200 metres in the North Sea and along the borders of the Atlantic Ocean. The North Sea Herring can be divided into different populations, which are mainly distinguished by size of the fish, rate of growth, and migration routes. Spawning takes place in August-September and in December, and a single female produces between 20,000 and 50,000 eggs. After spawning, the herring have a low fat content and migrate back to grounds that are richer in plankton, where they start feeding again in April-May. The ‘Dutch-matjes herring’ (or green herring) is caught during May-July and North Sea Herring is sold throughout the year.Fishing Method:
The pelagic fishing activities of the PFA are undertaken by freezer-trawlers, which trawl a net through the water, either just below the surface or further down the water column. Pelagic fish such as herring, mackerel, horse mackerel, blue whiting and sardinella migrate through the oceans in large shoals that mostly consist of the same species. This enables fishermen to fish selectively.Pelagic fishing gear is constantly undergoing improvements to ensure a responsible fishery. Special measures such as large mesh sizes in the front of the net to prevent the catch of non desirable species of juvenile fish are already proving successful, and the PFA is cooperating closely with biologists and net specialists in a number of ongoing research projects.
North Sea Herring Fisheries Area:
North Sea and Eastern English Channel autumn-spawning stock within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the EU and Norway, (ICES Divisions IV and VIId).Management:
The stock is managed according to the EU-Norway Agreement of December 1997, which is implemented in EU member states and Norway under National management systems, advised by ICES. The fishery also implements, on a voluntary basis, the additional management measures as set out in the PFA Policy plan. The PFA actively supports the European Quota Management System and respects and complies with fishing laws and regulations.Pelagic Fish Facts:
Pelagic fish including herring, horse mackerel, blue whiting and sardinella are in demand world-wide as a source of high quality animal protein and the PFA aims to help fulfil this demand. Once caught, fish is immediately sorted, frozen and stored on board as a whole round product, making it affordable for consumers in countries with a low purchasing power.
Fish forms a necessary source of food for millions of people. According to experts, the consumption of fish and especially oily fish once or twice a week, makes a positive contribution to the diet. Pelagic fish has a high nutritional content and contains unsaturated fat with a low cholesterol content, protein, vitamins A, B and D, iodine and selenium. The nutritional value of fish is even more important when the total dietary intake is poor or insufficient, such as in developing countries.
