Argentine anchovy, Engraulis anchoita. (Photo: Stock File)

Argentine anchovy fishery achieves MSC recertification

ARGENTINA
Wednesday, January 11, 2017, 23:50 (GMT + 9)

The Argentine anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) fishery has achieved re-certification to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standard.

This fishery, which operates in the waters of Argentina and Uruguay, in the Southwest Atlantic, was the first anchovy fishery in the world to achieve MSC certification in 2011.

At that time there were two companies, Delicias S.A. and Centauro S.A., which operated five vessels, which represented 10-15 per cent of the total catch of the fishery. Now, 13 companies operating 24 vessels were assessed during the recertification process.

The fishermen use semi-pelagic mid-water trawling nets made of 4mm diameter nylon, which have a total length of 60-70m, and are kept afloat by 60 buoys.

"We are committed to fishing in a responsible and sustainable manner, and protecting the natural resources of the ocean is a key component of our business. As the first MSC-certified anchovy fishery in the world, we are proud to have the MSC process again validate the sustainability of our well-managed and healthy fisheries," Carlos Rodriguez, Centauro manager, said.

The independent assessment of the Argentine anchovy fishery was conducted by the Organizacion Internacional Agropecuaria (OIA) according to the three principles of the MSC Fisheries Standard: the health of the stock; the impact of fishing on the marine environment; and the management of the fishery.
Argentine anchovy is mainly marketed for human consumption, and 80 per cent of the catch is exported.

Products derived from this fishery include anchovy fillets in oil, vacuum packed anchovy fillets, brine anchovies, salt cured anchovies, vinegar marinated anchovy fillets and frozen whole anchovies.

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