Robinson Crusoe Island, among others, will be known for its sustainable fishing practices.

The activity of Juan Fernández lobster trap has achieved certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Lobsters in this remote community of Pacific islands are now eligible to carry the blue MSC ecolabel, demonstrating come from an environmentally sustainable and well-managed source.

The certification by the MSC fishery standard is a significant achievement. This fishery joins a select group of 248 MSC certified fisheries that are helping to ensure healthy marine ecosystems for the future.

MSC certification provides recognition of the efforts of fisheries to protect the marine environment.

"Certification of this artisanal fishery is excellent news for the community of Juan Fernández, Chile and all developing countries," said Geoff Bolan, Commercial Director of Americas Program Director of MSC United States.

The Juan Fernandez archipelago and Robinson Crusoe Island

Juan Fernández Archipelago consists of three islands, the main Robinson Crusoe.

The fishery consists of the islands of Robinson Crusoe, Santa Clara and Alejandro Selkirk in the Juan Fernandez archipelago and northern islands Desventuradas.

The successful management of the fishery in recent years is based on five main measures implemented with the full cooperation of all the islanders: artisanal fishermen who are residents of the island are the only ones authorized to fish lobster in the area;

Government support for the artisanal fishery Juan Fernández

The Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture Government of the Republic of Chile (SUBPESCA) funded the evaluation through the Fisheries Management Fund (FAP) and the project management was carried out by the University of Concepción in Chile.

Raul Sunico, Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture for the Government of Chile, said: "This achievement is aligned with the fisheries policy mandated by President Michelle Bachelet.

Pablo Manriquez and Julio Charmorro, representatives of the fishery, said: "The lobster fishery is the most important productive activity of our community," fernandeziana ".

Geoff Bolan MSC added: "With the Chilean government to believe that small-scale fisheries can achieve robust standard MSC and the support given to this in particular.

About the assessment and certification

Fisheries Intertek Certification (IFC), an accredited independent certifier, assessed this fishery under the MSC standard. During the evaluation, the three principles of the MSC fishery standard were evaluated in detail: the state of fish stocks, the impact of the fishery on the marine ecosystem and the management system overseeing the fishery. More information about the lobster fishery of Juan Fernandez (Jasus frontalis) and the complete Public Certification Report detailing passing scores of the fishery under the MSC standard can be found on the website of MSC in www.msc.org/track-a-fishery/certified.

 

Press Contact:

Micaela Vivero

Communications Manager—Americas

Marine Stewardship Council

(Seattle, WA)

Email: micaela.vivero@msc.org

Phone: 1-206-691-0188, ext. 104