The South West mackerel handline fishery in Cornwall has achieved re-certification to the MSC's 1 environmental standard as a sustainable and well-managed fishery. As a result, it may continue to label its catch with the internationally recognised blue MSC eco-label.

After the fishery's initial certification to the MSC environmental standard in August 2001, South West mackerel handline has proven in a comprehensive re-assessment that it still meets the MSC standard.

David Muirhead, Secretary of the South West Handline Fishermen's Association says: "We're delighted that our MSC certificate has been renewed. MSC certification certainly led to better prices as some buyers will only source products with MSC label. This re-certification definitely gives us an edge in the retail market."

Alice McDonald, Fisheries Assessment Manager with the MSC, says: "This is great news. I am pleased to see a fishery that has capitalised so well on its MSC certificate. This is a fantastic demonstration of the economic case for MSC certification.

"I hope the renewed MSC certificate will continue to provide South West Handline Mackerel with its edge in the market."

The South West Handline Mackerel fishery is one of 22 fisheries worldwide that are certified to the MSC standard to date. In total, over 50 fisheries with annual catches of more than 3.5 million tonnes of seafood are engaged in the MSC programme. They represent 42 percent of the world's wild salmon catch, 32 percent of the prime whitefish catch, and 18 percent of the lobster catches for human consumption. 500 seafood products now carry the blue MSC eco-label in 25 countries.