Environment award big catch for hoki industry

New Zealand's fishing industry heavyweights say exports to European markets could significantly increase after the country's hoki fishery last night became the first major whitefish fishery in the world to receive environmental certification from the Marine Stewardship Council.

The award recognises that the fishery is sustainably managed, and is presented after all facets of a fishery had been inspected - including fishing, waste management, energy usage, and packaging.

The MSC was formed in 1997 as a joint venture between the Worldwide Fund for Nature and fishing giant Unilever, but it has since become a standalone entity.

MSC certification for our hoki fishery is being seen by many industry observers as a coup that could unlock key European markets.

Europe had become increasingly environmentally conscious in recent months, after first mad cow, and then foot-and-mouth disease, threatened health.

Sanford managing director Eric Barratt said certification came after 8 months of testing, and after local companies had looked closely at the value of chasing certification.

"We had a close look at this organisation [MSC] and how it was structured and developed," he said. "MSC has developed a rigorous set of principles over five years that a fishery has to meet to be certified as sustainable - the hoki fishery got a score and a pass."

Hoki is worth $336 million in exports a year - nearly twice the value of wine exports - and makes up 40 per cent of the country's total finfish catch.

The US is New Zealand's major buyer, but it is closely followed by Japan and Europe.

Overseas fish product buyers in Wellington said yesterday that the certification gave New Zealand industry more integrity.

"Unfortunately long-term thinking is not something that is exactly on the agenda of fisheries in general," said Volker Kuntzsch, the buying director of Frozen Fish International - the largest fish buyer in the world.

"To come here and see people are thinking further ahead is good. There are some countries with a decent managing system, but there are many that stand with their backs to the sea."

Mr Kuntzsch said certification would definitely mean his company bought more fish from New Zealand. He had already placed an order.

Unilever had indicated it will take at least 4000 tonnes a year from local hoki stocks, which will mean the industry benefits by as much as $US10 million ($23.9 million).

Regulations allow 250,000 tonnes of hoki to be caught a year.