A forward-thinking initiative by a group of Cornish sardine fishermen has won a national award.

The Cornish Sardine Management Association (CSMA) has been recognised with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) UK Ocean Leadership award.

It recognises the proactive introduction of a scheme aimed at ensuring plentiful, sustainable catches in the future.

The initiative is seen as a safeguard for the five-century-old Cornish sardine industry, representing a fleet of 15 vessels operating out of Newlyn, Mevagissey, Falmouth, and Plymouth.

The fishery first achieved MSC certification in 2010 and has been recertified in 2017 and 2022.

In 2023, the association commenced a self-sampling scheme, which sees skippers submit detailed weekly catch data.

This information is shared with scientists at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.

The data provides insights into stocks, size, and age distribution, as well as mortality rates and migration patterns.

The information helps scientists make informed decisions on catch limits, thereby preventing overfishing and securing the long-term future of the Cornish sardine population.

(Image: Daniel Hambury/Stella Pictures Ltd) After receiving the award at a ceremony on October 16, Gus Caslake, chairman of the Cornish Sardine Management Association, said: "It’s all about collaboration between our skippers and processors as a closely linked up organisation from sea to plate.

"The award is a testament to the work the guys do on the ground catching the fish and processing the highest quality Cornish sardines you can get.

"The award will help us to demonstrate that we’re catching and handling the fish in a sustainable manner."

Lisa Bennett, MSC UK and Ireland senior fisheries outreach manager, added: "The Cornish Sardine Management Association have shown fishers everywhere how they can contribute vital data to the science regimes that govern their fisheries.

"By building a strong partnership with Cefas, the CSMA are playing an active role in the ongoing management of the sardine stocks.

"They exemplify innovation and a future focused approach."

The success of the Cornish sardine fishery was further recognised in the product of the year category, which saw Tesco's finest Cornish sardines in tomato sauce win the award.