August 14, 2018 — The Bahamas spiny lobster on 7 August became the first Caribbean fishery to receive Marine Council Stewardship certification, placing it among an elite group of just 8 percent of developing countries’ fisheries to be certified.
The MSC label is given to wild-caught seafood that has been certified as sustainable according to the MSC’s scientific standards. The fishery’s certification was awarded by the accredited third-party assessment body Control Union Pesca Ltd., following a detailed 19-month assessment.
“With the certification, the lobster tails are now eligible to carry the internationally recognized MSC blue fish label, which makes it easy for consumers to know that they’re choosing seafood that is as good for the ocean as it is for them,” the MSC said.
Mia Isaac, the president of the Bahamas Marine Exporters Association, said the certification “is a proud accomplishment”
“We eagerly accept the MSC stamp of approval. It’s been a collaborative effort and we are thankful to all the stakeholders, especially the fishermen,” Isaac said. “As we continually improve our spiny lobster fishery, we aim for product of The Bahamas to become synonymous with strength, collaboration and sustainability.”