Western Australia has world leading fisheries management and research programs that provide the basis for the sustainable harvest of our fish resources for the benefit of the WA community.
As part of Sustainable Seafood Week, the Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Rupert Howes is in Perth to meet with industry stakeholders and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) staff.
MSC is regarded as the gold standard in sustainability certification, with more than 600 fisheries around the world engaged in its program.
Sustainable Seafood Week is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the importance of sustainable seafood, and WA has been playing a strong part in ensuring our super seafood is certified to the world's best standards for people and the planet.
Western rock lobster led the world back at the turn of the century in achieving MSC certification, and WA now proudly supports 12 fisheries accredited through the rigorous MSC assessment process. Apart from our West Coast Rock Lobster Fishery achievement, there’ve been other firsts in MSC certification here in WA, including the first-ever joint commercial and recreational fishery certification for Peel Harvey Blue Swimmer Crabs.
DPIRD’s Director General Heather Brayford said it was a great opportunity for the MSC CEO Rupert Howes to visit, not only to encourage consumers to play their part in supporting the heroes of WA’s seafood industry because they deliver future-proof seafood, but also because choosing sustainable seafood delivers the best environmental choice as well.
“More than 90 per cent of WA’s commercial fishery value is certified by MSC as sustainably managed, so our fishers and our communities, especially those in regional areas where fishing operations support the local economy, can be rightly proud of our commitment,” Mrs Brayford said.
MSC CEO Rupert Howes said there was huge potential for our world’s oceans to feed and sustain us if they are sustainably managed.
“The leaders in sustainable seafood, including those who’ve led the way in Western Australia, are creating a wave of change and globally we are seeing brands stepping up with their commitments to only source certified sustainable seafood,” Mr Howes said.
“This week especially, we acknowledge those people in the local industry here in WA, who work hard every day to deliver future-proof seafood that’s good for you and the ocean too.
“There is growing recognition worldwide that food systems must be transformed - that achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals requires shifting toward a system that is more diverse, resilient, and just, as well as healthier.”