Iceland's Saemark enters fleet for MSC approval

Saemark, a major supplier to The Seafood Company, is bidding to get its business accepted under the Marine Stewardship Council's certification programme.

The Icelandic exporting business, Saemark, and its partnership quota holders in Iceland has entered their fleet of long line and Danish seine cod, haddock and wolffish vessels for full MSC assessment.

The Seafood Company, part of the Findus Group which also includes Young's Seafood, is Saemark's main route to the UK. It has production facilities in Fraserburgh, Annan, Livingston, near Edinburgh and on the Humber at Grimsby. Much of Saemark's cod and haddock  is sold mainly into the European and US markets.

Vavar Gudmundsson of Saemark, said "We already have strong stock management processes in place but the MSC eco-label will give us greater retailer and consumer credentials. It brings a level of confidence in our sustainability practices throughout the supply chain."

Pete Ward, managing director of The Seafood Company, added "We are delighted that one of our key partners has decided to proceed to full assessment, as the MSC standard remains a key driver for both our customers and consumers in the UK."

The Marine Stewardship Council certification process is based on an independent assessment of the fishery against a rigorous sustainability standard.