Rock lobster first

WA’S western rock lobster fishery could become the first in the world to receive international certification as a sustainable, well managed fishery under the recently established Marine Stewardship Council.

The decision will be made following assessment of the results of a $100,000 study funded by the WA Fishing Industry Council into the fishery’s practices.

The UK-based MSC is a non-profit international organisation jointly founded by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature and global fish processor Unilever. It is dedicated to the long-term sustainability of marine fisheries and related habitats.

MSC certification means the rock lobster fishery – which generates around $300 million annually in export income – will be able to market its products under the MSC promoted eco-label.

MSC accreditation officer Peter Scott said the eco-label would become one of the world’s most powerful seafood marketing tools.

“This eco-label will allow consumers to select fish products they know come from sustainable, well managed sources,” Mr Scott said.