Emerging cooperation between the WWF and Russian whitefish catchers may signal a new step in the global fight for sustainable fisheries, the organisations say.
Together with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Alaska or Walleye Pollock Catchers Association (PCA), a Russian organisation allegedly with strong influence on government policies, are calling for new rules aimed at controlling illegal fishing.
The new policies would include independent observers on vessels that head out to trawl for whitefish, but also a range of boat traceability and monitoring measures, as well as more sustainable catch quotas and measures to reduce bycatch.
”This is a very important first step”, said Alfred Schumm, Leader of WWF’s Smart Fishing Initiative.
”But it is one that has to be followed by substantial commitments and obligations. The most critical commitment is for the Pollack fishery to ensure it uses fishing methods that do not destroy habitats, in particular, unsustainable bottom touching gear, and minimise their bycatch”.
The initiative may be a step on the road to Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification of these fisheries. The U.S-Alaskan Pollock fishery has already gained that eco-label.