June 4, 2014 — More than a decade after overfishing led to the collapse of the one of the West Coast’s most valuable fisheries, it has been certified as sustainable.
The international Marine Stewardship Council announced Tuesday in Portland that it has certified that 13 bottom-dwelling species collectively known as groundfish are harvested in an environmentally sustainable way. That applies to species sold as red snapper, Dover sole and lingcod.
In a 400-page report, the council said federal regulations are in place to protect habitat, hold fishermen responsible and set harvest quotas based on scientific data.
The action led the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watchlist to move six West Coast rockfish species from “Avoid” status, to “Good Alternative.”
“A proud day for fishermen in Oregon, Washington and California,” Dan Averill, fishery outreach manager for the council, said in a statement. “MSC certification confirms the rigorous management of the fishery and assures a steady and stable supply of seafood long into the future.”
Read the full story from the Associated Press at The Register-Guard