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Black scabbardfish Aphanopus carbo (Photo: Stock File)
In search of black scabbardfish certification
PORTUGAL
Monday, November 23, 2009, 08:30 (GMT + 9)
The fishers of Sesimbra hope that, in a maximum of two years, they can obtain the seal of certification of the black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo) captured by local traditional methods.
The project led by the the ArtesanalPesca cooperative has the objective to disclose the practices used by the 17 local vessels that they contend assure “sustainability” of the resource.
The promoters of the initiative hope to secure the certification in about two years, for which they have already initiated the first contacts.
Representatives of the green organization Quercus recently advised the population to avoid buying black scabbardfish, because it is captured by means of trawling gear.
On the issue, Carlos Alexandre, head of ArtesanalPesca, stressed that such affirmations “are totally false,” and clarified that the fishers use the technique of longliners of depth.
“Certification is our priority” and the consumers will know that the fish are captured without run out the stock, “because all the fish will be tallied by ArtesanalPesca,” Alexandre added.
“The certification will also allow them to determine where the black scabbardfish was fished. The wager will always be on how the fishers of Sesimbra carry out the activity,” he indicated.
The leader also clarified that as soon as the seal is obtained, the fish will not go up in price.
“Besides that not being our intention, in a time of crisis the people would not be prepared to pay more,” he emphasised.
The Chamber of Sesimbra indicated its support for the project, Diario de Noticias reports.
By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com
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