Faroese government requests ICES reassessment of fishing rules for MSC certification

The Faroese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Fisheries has requested that the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) reassess the fishing rules governing the setting of fishing days in Faroese waters.

The request follows concerns raised by Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification holders regarding the lack of independent verification of the fishing plan and rules for the next annual MSC certification review scheduled for December. Failure to comply with MSC standards could result in the loss of certification for the fishing industry after the upcoming harvest season, according to Prime Minister Bárður á Steig Nielsen.

Á Steig Nielsen has proposed a reduction of 750 fishing days in area 5B this year to address the issue. Recent catches in area 5B totaled 1,066 tons of young fish, accounting for approximately 10 percent of the total catch in the area. The high proportion of juvenile fish is significant for stock management, as it underscores the need to protect younger fish to ensure sustainable and responsible exploitation, the prime minister said.