The first seafood products certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) have been released onto the Japanese market by Kamewa Shouten Co., a Tokyo-based seafood wholesaler. Kamewa received a Chain of Custody (CoC) certification in April 2006 that allows businesses to produce and sell MSC-labeled seafood products. Internet sales started in May.

Established in 1997, the MSC is an independent international organization that promotes sustainable management of seafood resources and conservation of the marine environment. It recognizes environmentally responsible and well-managed fisheries through a certification program. A seafood product bearing the MSC certification (MSC eco-label) assures that it is from a fishery committed to protecting marine ecosystems. The CoC certification is designed to separate MSC-labeled fish from other fish, ensuring the supply of MSC-labeled fish to consumers.

There are more than 300 MSC-labeled products available worldwide. In Japan, the world's largest consumer of seafood, MSC-labeled products are expected to increase public awareness of seafood being harvested by sustainable fishing.

With regard to the Japanese fisheries, the Kyoto Danish Seine Fishery Federation (KDSFF) applied for MSC certification for snow crab and flathead flounder fishing in February 2006. The application is currently being assessed. When approved, it will be the first MSC fishing certification both in Japan and Asia.

http://www.msc.org/
- Kyoto Fishermen Seeking Eco-Labels for Flounders, Snow Crabs (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/1374-e

Posted: 2006/09/06 12:51:25 PM
Japanese version

TAG Ecosystem , Food/Water , Non-manufacturing industry