The Abrolhos Island and Mid-West Scallop Trawl Fishery has achieved certification to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standard. It is the first scallop fishery in Australia and the eleventh commercial fishery in Western Australia (WA) to gain this certification.
The independent assessment conducted by MRAG Americas found the fishery to be well-managed and supported by strong science from the Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Management measures in place include a limited number of licenses, set seasonal closures, specified gear types, and catch limits determined by an annual stock survey. The stock assessment of the fishery is underpinned by more than 30 years of survey data. Closed from 2012 to 2016 due to low stocks caused by a marine heatwave event, the fishery reopened in 2017 and stocks have since fully recovered.
The fishery targets the saucer scallop (Ylistrum balloti), known for its sweet flavour and firm, white flesh. Abrolhos scallops are processed at dedicated facilities in Fremantle and Geraldton and distributed to domestic and international markets, including Singapore and Hong Kong.
The Abrolhos Island scallop fishery contributes more than $5 million to the Western Australian economy annually, creating local jobs and providing quality, sustainable seafood to consumers across Australia and internationally.
In 2000, Western Rock Lobster became the first fishery in the world to achieve certification to the MSC Fisheries Standard. Western Australia’s portfolio of certified fisheries has now grown to 11 running the length of the WA coastline, which collectively represent approximately 90 percent of the State’s fisheries by value.
Across Australia 21 fisheries are now certified to the MSC Standard, representing 47% of Australia’s marine wild catch by volume and 31 species of fish and shellfish.
Fisheries certified to the MSC Standard are monitored annually by independent auditors and reassessed every five years.
Anne Gabriel, Marine Stewardship Council Program Director – Oceania and Singapore, said:
“Congratulations to the Abrolhos Island and Mid-West Scallop Trawl Fishery for achieving certification to the MSC Fisheries Standard.
“Western Australia’s leadership and commitment to global best practice in fisheries management is being benchmarked around the world in helping safeguard seafood supplies for future generations.”
Comments attributed to Darryl Hockey - Western Australia Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) Chief Executive Officer:
“Regardless of the fishery, the national and international buyers are looking for high quality product that is sustainable and well managed and so the Abrolhos scallops tick a lot of boxes. Because of the pristine waters in the Abrolhos Islands the scallops boast a lovely white flesh and sweet taste, which is exactly what buyers are looking for.”
“For these discerning consumers, seeing the blue MSC eco-tick on seafood packaging is part of their buying decision.”
“The value of this certification is reflected in the number of high-value fisheries that are putting in the effort to achieve MSC certification. Its value is recognised globally by wholesalers, retailers and consumers and sets these products apart from the masses.”
Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
“The Abrolhos Island scallop fishery produce delightful saucer scallops - and it is excellent to see these tasty morsels get the MSC blue tick of approval.
“The MSC tick assures consumers the seafood they buy is sustainable and this certification is well recognised in local, national and international markets.
“That this fishery has now met the rigorous MSC criteria for minimising environmental impact, sustainable stocks and effective management is cause for celebration.
“Be sure to check for the MSC blue fish tick next time you buy seafood to choose a sustainable future full of fish.”
Comments attributed to Hamish Ch’ng, Managing Director – Far West Scallops:
“Achieving certification reflects the really good practices that have developed over time in the fishery, which is a credit both to industry and government.
“Fisheries management is something that continues to evolve, and having the MSC Standard to guide future improvement is going to be really beneficial to the fishery.”
- ENDS -
Simon Ch'ng and Hamish Ch'ng of Far West Scallops, which operates in the Abrolhos Island and Mid-West Scallop Trawl Fishery