Abrolhos Island scallops become WA’s eleventh MSC certified sustainable fishery

  • Abrolhos Island scallops make a tasty addition to WA’s list of sustainable fisheries   
  • Marine Stewardship Council certification the global gold standard for sustainability
  • Strong sustainable seafood credentials supporting WA jobs and growth 
  • Less than five years after reopening from a lengthy closure, the Abrolhos Island and Mid-West Scallop Trawl Fishery has become the eleventh Western Australian fishery to earn sustainability certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard.    

    Closed from 2012 to 2016 due to low stocks caused by a marine heatwave event, the fishery reopened in 2017 and stocks have since fully recovered and seen the fishery earn MSC’s tick of approval for its effective management and sustainable operation.

    The Abrolhos Island fishers and licence holders have met MSC’s high benchmarks to earn certification with no conditions, through the rigorous and independent assessment process.

    Internationally recognised, the MSC blue fish tick indicates sustainable seafood from healthy, wild fish populations. The ecolabel enables consumers to easily choose sustainable seafood and is about ‘making sure there’s enough fish in the sea for the next generation’.

    The McGowan Government is committed to the sustainable management of our fisheries to ensure the future of our State’s commercial and recreational fishing sector and to enhance the world-class fishing experiences on offer around Western Australia.

    The Abrolhos Island scallop fishery contributes more than $5 million to the Western Australian economy annually, creating local jobs and providing quality, sustainable seafood to consumers here, interstate and internationally.

    As stated by Fisheries Minister Don Punch:

    “The Abrolhos Island scallop fishery produce delightful saucer scallops – and it is excellent to see these tasty morsels get the MSC blue tick of approval.

    “The MSC tick assures consumers the seafood they buy is sustainable and this certification is well recognised in local, national and international markets.

    “That this fishery has now met the rigorous MSC criteria for minimising environmental impact, sustainable stocks and effective management is cause for celebration.

    “Be sure to check for the MSC blue fish tick next time you buy seafood to choose a sustainable future full of fish.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.