Joining with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Alaska or Walleye Pollock Catchers Association (PCA) is now taking a tough stance on poaching and illegal fishing of whitefish.
The PCA is one of the Russian pollock fishery governing bodies and is in a prime position to influence government decisions on the whitefish stocks. They are now seeking adoption of policies which will require independent observers to be placed on the vessels that head out to trawl for whitefish.
''This is a very important first step'', said Alfred Schumm, Leader of WWF's Smart Fishing Initiative. ''But it is one that has to be followed by substantial commitments and obligations. The most critical commitment is for the Pollack fishery to ensure it uses fishing methods that do not destroy habitats, in particular, unsustainable bottom touching gear, and minimise their bycatch''.
The partnership between WWF and PCA signals a new stage in the global fight for more sustainability in fisheries to protect stocks. This partnership has also paved the way for the bi-lateral agreement to be signed with China and Japan for port controls as well as a protection zone in the Sea of Okhotsk.
As well as allowing independent fishery observers on the trawlers, the vessels also have to implement a range of boat traceability and monitoring measures as well as adopt a new sustainable total allowable catch and work closely with both organisations to reduce the by-catch from fishing boats.
The U.S-Alaskan Pollock fishery has managed to gain the much sought after Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification but the Russian Pollock fishery has not yet been able to achieve this validation of sustainability. The new measures in partnership with WWF should help to set a pathway for the Russian fishery to be awarded the MSC certification.
It is important to the Russian Pollock fishery to receive this certification and Konstantin Zgurovsky, Marine Programme Coordinator for WWF Russia says: ''The PCA is now ready to work on the necessary improvements and recognises WWF Russia as a key partner in fisheries improvement projects''.
This latest development is definitely a step in the right direction to achieving global sustainability for the important whitefish populations.
