SFSAG ROCKALL HADDOCK
Sustainable fishing 500 miles from the UK mainland
Haddock is the most important demersal whitefish species to Scottish fishermen. Over 27,000 tonnes of haddock were landed into Scotland by Scottish vessels in 2015 worth £37 million. Almost 4,000 tonnes of this is Rockall haddock.
Rockall haddock is the same species (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) as the North Sea haddock which is also targeted by the Scottish Fisheries Sustainable Accreditation Group (SFSAG), but a different population. Spawning happens between March and May but the species can be caught year-round.Certification of Rockall haddock therefore helps SFSAG secure a flow of good quality, certified haddock at a time when seasonal restrictions are at play elsewhere.
The Scottish haddock fleet has long had an excellent reputation for sustainability, with haddock fisheries achieving MSC certification as early as 2010. Seven species across the North Sea and West of Scotland are now certified.
The Rockall haddock stock continues to be above precautionary levels for sustainable fishing. A sizeable proportion of the fishable area (~45 %) is closed to fishing to protect the marine environment and fleet bycatch has been assessed as not being detrimental to other stocks in the area.
SEE THE FISHERS IN ACTION
CATCHING HADDOCK
The fishery uses bottom trawls. While demersal trawling often interacts with the seabed, modifications and careful management of fishing operations can reduce environmental impacts and increase sustainability. Click on the image below to learn more.
HADDOCK: DIVE DEEPER
To find out more about this fishery or see haddock recipes, check out the links below.
BUY MSC CERTIFIED HADDOCK
MSC labelled haddock is sold in 18 different countries across three continents.
CONTACT THE FISHERY
Click on the icon below to visit the fishery's website