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| 03/08/2009 |
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| New report in Science |
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The Findus Group - parent in the UK to Young's and The Seafood Company - has welcomed last week’s (31 July) report in the journal 'Science' which confirms that fisheries management regimes can be an effective route to restoring marine ecosystems.
The report ('Rebuilding Global Fisheries') is a follow-up to a 2006 article in Science by some of the same authors which suggested a widespread trend towards collapse in world fisheries, possibly by 2048. It examines current patterns of fisheries abundance and exploitation (i.e. fishing), and reviews the management regimes applied in ten key fisheries as part of efforts to rebuild fish stocks.
James Turton, director of sustainability and corporate affairs, says, "We are encouraged by the tone and content of this report, which underlines our own long held position that good scientific information combined with properly enforced fisheries management techniques are the only route to a sustainable fishing industry."
"It's also good news that a team of the world's most respected fisheries scientists (led by Boris Worm and Ray Hilborn) are now publicly collaborating in the drive for ever more comprehensive understanding of this important debate."
For many years, Young's has been a leading industry exponent of proper fisheries management practices, applying its market influence to support best practice in the catching sector. Two recent examples of such projects have been sponsorship of the Stornoway langoustine fishery to MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification, and a lobbying programme in the Baltic which significantly influenced a reduction in IUU* fishing and helped bring about a new management regime which is now having a positive effect on cod stocks (according to data published in June 2009 by ICES**).
Across Europe, all Findus Group companies apply rigorously-applied sourcing criteria and only purchase from suppliers who meet its award-winning 'Fish for Life' responsible seafood standards.
James Turton says, "Overall we feel that this report is good news for our industry: it represents an extremely detailed and extensive investigation and demonstrates consensus in the views of a large group of key scientists. But most importantly it is a scientifically rigorous piece of work which emphasises that it is possible to successfully manage fish stocks if the right regimes are applied.
"We look forward to contributing further to the debate and will continue to actively support fisheries management programmes wherever we can."
* ‘Illegal, unregulated and unreported’ fishing.
** ICES - the International Council for Exploration of the Seas and the official scientific advisory body on fisheries to the EU.
The text of the original article in Science can be accessed here. |
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