Region: Europe

MSC Assessment of Dutch cockle fishery Netherlands

Food Certification International Ltd - Project Dates:
October 2011 - October 2012

Description of Project:
The Dutch cockle industry association sought MSC certification.

Starting in the 1960s an industrial fishery by means of mechanical dredging developed in the Netherlands. In total 37 licenses have been issued for this fishery. Since 1 January 2005 mechanical cockle dredging is no longer allowed in the Wadden Sea. In the Eastern and Western Scheldt mechanical dredging is only allowed when the size of the stock exceeds a certain minimal level.

Services Provided:
Poseidon staff provided principle 2 (ecosystem) and principle 3 (management) expertise for the main assessment of the OHV Dutch Waddenzee and Oosterschelde Hand Raked cockle fishery.