Havsbrún holds certified reserves as blue whiting loses MSC status

Havsbrún, the Faroe Islands’ only fish-feed producer, has built up stocks of certified fishmeal and fish oil after the blue whiting fishery lost its MSC sustainability certification, KVF reported. The company cannot use blue whiting as a certified raw material in its aquaculture feed while the fishery lacks approval.

The certification was withdrawn because coastal states have not agreed on how to divide blue whiting quotas. Havsbrún managing director Odd Eliasen said the company’s reserves should last for some time. If they run out, it will have to find other solutions.

European producers of fishmeal and fish oil say it makes little sense for the fishery to lose its sustainability certification when the blue whiting stock is in good condition. Havsbrún and other companies are working to secure a new certification.