Puerto Deseado, (C).- The crab fishery of the Central Patagonian stock obtains the certification of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for the first time in its history.

The species caught and certified under the MSC standard is the King Crab (Lithodes Santolla) from the central Patagonian stock of the Argentine Sea, which is caught both in national waters and in those corresponding to the provinces of Santa Cruz and Chubut, and its fishing season Fishing takes place from January to May, exporting the product mainly to markets such as the United States, China and Japan.

The certifying entity, which was the Argentine company OIA S.A., evaluated the status of the populations of the target species, the environmental impact and the management system of the fishery, which represents the 3 principles of the MSC standard.

The group made up of Bentonicos de Argentina S.A, Crustáceas del Sur S.A and Centomar S.A. They celebrate having successfully achieved the objective and establishing themselves as the fourth Argentine fishery to achieve MSC certification, which demonstrates that the national management system and fisheries research are focused on the sustainable extraction of fishery resources.

During the last years since its pre-assessment began in 2018, extensive and arduous teamwork has been carried out in collaboration with the different actors involved and interested in improving the practices of the fishery day by day in order to preserve its resource, protecting the Argentine Sea while enjoying the benefits it offers.

“It is added to the MSC portfolio as a fishery of great value and of great commercial interest in global markets. Welcome to the group of fisheries that meet the highest standards of environmental sustainability” comments Cristian Vallejos, director of the Latin America program of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

Being certified as sustainable under the MSC standard, the fishery is very clear about its commitment to continue caring for its way of life and the great resource that is the King Crab, and thus continue to enjoy it for many more years.

Marine Stewardship Council

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organization that establishes a series of scientifically based and globally recognized standards for sustainable fishing and the traceability of fishery products. Its blue seal and certification program recognize and reward sustainable fishing practices and also help create a more sustainable market for seafood. It is the only certification and eco-labelling program for capture fisheries that meets the good practice requirements established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and by ISEAL, the International Social Labeling and Accreditation Alliance. and Environmental.

Source: Diario Cronica