Australian Orange Roughy fishery achieves world's highest sustainability standard

SETFIA © SETFIA

The Eastern Zone Australian Orange Roughy fishery has achieved certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), marking a significant milestone in sustainable fishing practices in Australia.

This certification is a testament to the fishery's commitment to rebuilding healthy fish stocks, minimising environmental impact, and implementing effective management strategies.

The certification process, conducted by independent auditor MRAG Americas, confirmed that the Eastern Zone Australian Orange Roughy fishery met the rigorous MSC Fisheries Standard. This standard evaluates fisheries based on three core principles: sustainable fish stocks, minimising environmental impact, and effective management. The fishery demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving an average score of 93 out of 100 across these principles.

The MSC system is fully transparent with any interested stakeholder able to engage in the process and all relevant scoring documents available online. The report was peer reviewed, overseen by MSC's technical advisers, and an independent organisation monitored the assessment process.

The certification will be valid for five years, until February 2030, and will be subject to annual surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance and sustainability.

The most recent CSIRO survey found that there were 42,600 tonnes of adult fish (equivalent to approximately >10 million individuals) in two small fishing areas in the eastern zone. Immature, non-spawning and fish further south were not surveyed and are additional to this. Assessments show increasing stocks.

Industry, AFMA, the FRDC and the CSIRO have invested heavily in the world's best science to achieve this recognition. This most recent investment in MSC certification is final steps in the 15-year long journey to sustainability.

The annual allowable catch in the eastern zone is set at low levels to ensure the fishery remains sustainable. Nonetheless, this sustainable fishery is a small contributor local jobs, food security and fantastic local fish.

"We are thrilled to receive MSC certification for the Eastern Zone Australian Orange Roughy fishery," said Simon Boag, Executive Officer of the South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association (SETFIA). "This recognition reflects our dedication to sustainable fishing practices and our commitment to preserving fish stocks for future generations."

The MSC certification not only highlights the fishery's sustainable practices but also provides assurance to consumers that the seafood they purchase is sourced responsibly. The MSC, an international non-profit organization, continues to set the world's leading standards for sustainable fishing and seafood supply chain assurance.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority has also welcomed the certification. "This achievement is a fantastic testament to decades of cooperation between industry, fisheries managers and researchers. The community should be confident in the sustainability of Australia's fisheries and be proud to support local seafood", said Wez Norris, CEO of AFMA.

Orange roughy is known for its delicate flavour, firm texture, is low in fat, is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and protein.