All vessels belonging to the members of the SFSAG are deemed as participating in the client group providing they agree to fish under the provisions and conditions of the named MSC fishery.

1. Client vessels will be members of one or more of the SFSAG member organisations.
2. Client vessels agree to operate under the defined scope of the named fishery
3. Client vessels who choose to fish in areas out with the defined geographic scope of the fishery shall communicate all such catches upon landing and sale.
4. Client vessels will operate using the appropriate gear and/or selectivity devices as defined in the scope of the fishery when catching accredited species.
5. Client vessels agree to operate according to the conditions specified for the accredited fisheries.
6. Client vessels agree to cooperate and work constructively towards meeting conditions within any agreed timeframes.
7. The organisations within the SFSAG will take all necessary steps to ensure their operating vessels are fully compliant with the parameters of operation for the accredited fisheries.
8. The SFSAG will take corrective action against non compliant vessels from the MSC client group and may exclude them from the MSC fishery if such corrective actions are not applied within a reasonable and practical timeframe.

Members of the industry operating through the Scottish Fisheries Sustainable Accreditation Group (SFSAG) are committed to realise the goal of sustainability in the fisheries in which they operate. In pursuit of this goal, this policy sets out a number of key principles:

• Members will take all reasonable and appropriate measures to ensure that these fisheries are operated and managed responsibly and sustainably.
• Members acknowledge that the demersal fisheries in which they operate are a shared resource at a national and international level. As such, members will cooperate with all industry stakeholders and regulatory authorities in their sustainable management.
• Vessels will take all reasonable steps to minimise unintended by catch and discards which have a detrimental effect to the fisheries and ecosystems in which they operate.
• The SFSAG supports the participation in, and implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) as a means to apply the framework of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
• The SFSAG takes full note of the ICES advice as the basis of best scientific knowledge which will contribute to management measures governing demersal fisheries.
• Furthermore, the industry is committed to the maximization of product quality through application of best practice in all fishing activity (fishing methods; on board handling; storage and landing). Members will adopt a policy of continuous improvement to realise this goal.

North Sea and West of Scotland demersal stocks are an international resource mainly exploited by EU Coastal States and Norway; effort is applied on the stocks throughout the year. In order for the policy of the SFSAG to operate; the industry will demonstrate it’s commitment by:

• Supporting protocols which promote international cooperation between the EU and third countries which are involved in the exploitation of mixed demersal fisheries in the North Sea and west of Scotland.
• Accepting that to have a correctly managed and fairly allocated share of fishing opportunity for all species; fish stocks have to be estimated using the most reliable and robust scientific and mathematical techniques available. The quality of such data is paramount to the accurate process of determining Total Allowable Catches (TACs).
• Accepting that in order to prevent overfishing, (either through growth overfishing¹ or recruitment overfishing²) and ensure sustainability, the methods required to support such TAC’s need to be effectively monitored and regulated. This will entail the accurate registration of catches and the use of technical measures in permitted gear.
• Supporting and assisting in the gathering and provision of scientific data on demersal stocks; thus securing the most detailed information available for use in the assessments necessary for sustainable fisheries management.

It has long been recognised that a successful and responsible fisheries policy requires sound scientific advice and data; all stakeholders of such fisheries should ensure sufficient resources and facilities are available to provide a comprehensive foundation in order that necessary research can be carried out.

Such research requires monitoring of the stocks; the condition and size distribution of the fish within the stocks; observations of the marine habitat and wider ecosystem of such stocks, if the fishery is to be managed with a successful policy. This needs to be coupled with the necessary research and assessments concerning the fishing methods undertaken to fish the stock and the levels of effort which are being undertaken. Such information can be of a biological, oceanographic, meteorological and operational nature. Additionally samples may be taken for further analysis in laboratory conditions ashore.

The value of such research is of particular importance when factors within the overall framework are likely to change in such a way as to influence the ecological balance of the fishery as a whole.

Therefore the SFSAG fully supports the view that such scientific study is invaluable to the future sustainability of the demersal fisheries in which its members operate. Members will therefore cooperate and assist where appropriate, in the gathering of such scientific information, undertaking to:-

• Participate in research and assessment programmes focussing on stock assessment, recruitment and fecundity of demersal fish stocks.
• Participate in research and provide data to assess the levels of effort which are contributing to the exploitation of mixed demersal fisheries.
• Conduct research to assess new fishing gears, and promote new fishing gears and practices which are consistent with sustainable fishing practices.
• Assist, initiate and participate in research and observer programmes which support environmental protection.

SFSAG member vessels already work closely with FRS Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen on various projects such as the Scottish Industry Scientific Partnership and the Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme. Furthermore, individual SFSAG members may undertake further studies through cooperation with government, management and scientific programmes; with international scientific institutes or initiated by their own members with other co-funding partners.

Stakeholder compliance with national and international management regimes is fundamental to the sustainable policy of SFSAG members. The monitoring of fishing activities is an essential part of the sustainable policy of any fishery. The main goals and objectives of fishery monitoring programmes will generally be:-

• The collection of information on catch; by-catch; protected species; discards and wider environmental data which is used for management and stock assessment purposes.
• The monitoring of fishing activity and adherence to regulations governing the fishery.
• The monitoring of fishing activity and effort to develop a better understanding of the operation of the fishery.

At-sea observers offer one means of gathering independent, cost effective data, and may be used to reduce conflicts between stakeholders; concerns regarding over-exploitation and to provide a better understanding of how particular fisheries work. Whatever their motivation for use, they should provide outputs that contribute to the development of international management measures that encourage good fishing practices and promote both stock and fishery sustainability.

The SFSAG supports their use as one means to provide this assurance and information, and will work with industry agencies, bodies and industry groups to facilitate such programmes where considered appropriate.

The Scottish demersal fleet already has good working relationships in this field with Marine Scotland Science Marine Laboratory observers and the additional observer programme facilitated through the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation.

In today’s seafood markets, consumers are more knowledgeable and discerning about the products they buy than ever before. The consumer not only requires high quality seafood, but seeks reassurance that it has been caught in a responsible manner. These demands place pressure on the supply chain in general; to be able to demonstrate seafood can indeed satisfy these requirements.

Businesses and organisations now draw up policies clearly stating their position with respect to their impact on environment, waste and recycling, and codes of conduct for product sourcing. The operation of a fishing vessel can be thought of in similar terms, and therefore vessel owners/operators should be aware of the changing demands of their customers and seek ways in which to satisfy them.

In response to these pressures, the Responsible Fishing Scheme (RFS) has been developed by the Sea Fish Industry Authority in the UK. The RFS can be used as a tool for both the catching sector and supply chain to raise standards, and demonstrate compliance with current good practice.

The SFSAG supports this scheme as a means by which its members can provide reassurance to customers; the supply chain and the ultimate consumer of their ability to follow good industry practice. The SFSAG promotes that all vessels work within the scheme to demonstrate a recognised standard of good practice

The benefits of the Responsible Fishing Scheme to demersal vessels are that it:

• Shows operation to industry good practice guidelines.
• Provides assurance that the fish from the vessel has been caught in a responsible manner.
• Helps differentiate the fleet in the world marketplace.

The SFSAG realises that this scheme has been developed to recognise good practice and that it will, over time, require modification and improvement in order to keep it practical, relevant and meaningful to demersal fishing. The SFSAG is therefore supportive in further development of the Scheme to help raise standards and seek continuous improvement for the benefit of the industry.

This document reflects the current view of the Scottish Fisheries Sustainable Accreditation Group (SFSAG) and provides a statement of intent outlining a general plan of conduct. The SFSAG is committed to ensuring this policy is followed during all direct and indirect operations concerning the fishing, and supply chain activities of the group.

The SFSAG will make this policy fully available and transparent to industry and public in general. Furthermore, it will welcome feedback and critical examination of the policy and will amend the policy on receipt of relevant authoritative comment which it may find appropriate to strengthen and improve its content and implementation.

The group will undertake to review this policy at regular intervals, and any amendments arising from the review will be published accordingly.

Species:
Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus).

Geographic Area:
North Sea

Stock:
ICES Area IVa & IVb (including territorial waters of Norway )

Date of Certification:
22nd October 2010

MSC - Certification Registration Number:
MML-F-082

Method of capture and gears used:
Demersal mobile gear
Inclusive of:

• Single Demersal Trawl
• Pair Trawl
• Multi (Twin) Rig Trawl
• Scottish Seine (Fly dragging) & pair seine net

Management:
EC through - The Common Fisheries Policy and bilateral agreement with Norway
Nationally – Domestic legislation

Participating vessels:
Those vessels operating suitable mesh size and/or appropriate selectivity devices catching North sea haddock, using the above described gear. Vessels will belong to at least one of the following associations and/or producer organisations.

• Scottish White Fish Producers Association
• Aberdeen Fish Producers Organisation
• Anglo-Scottish Fish Producers Organisation
• Fife Fish Producers Organisation
• North East of Scotland Fishermen’s Organisation
• Northern Producers Organisation
• Orkney Fish Producers Organisation
• Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation
• Shetland Fish Producers Organisation
• North East of England Producers Organisation