Cornish sardines pass sustainability test

The fishery has passed its Marine Stewardship Council assessment and can now be labelled as such when sold, the organisation said yesterday.

The Cornish sardine fleet is made up of six vessels using ring nets and a further 10 boats with drift nets, the council said.

Boats sailed mainly from Newlyn and Mevagissey and remained in inshore waters within six miles of land. The sardines they catch are significantly larger than the minimum size allowed and are proving popular with restaurants and retailers.

The council UK country manager, Toby Middleton, said: "Cornish sardine is an iconic fishery and this certification represents a great deal of hard work and solid management by the Cornish Sardine Management Association.

"In the process of getting certified, the CSMA fishermen have also helped to pilot a process that will help fellow fishermen and women in the developing world to start to get their fisheries certified, bringing management and economic benefits that would, previously, have been unavailable to them."

Nick Howell, chairman of the Cornish Sardine Management Association, said: "We are delighted that this traditional Cornish fishery has been certified by the MSC and of course that would not have been possible without the support of Marks & Spencer and (seafood authority) Seafish who have both helped us with funding."

Cornish sardines were recently recognised under the European Union's Protected Food Name Status programme, joining the likes of Stilton Cheese and Melton Mowbray Pies.

The status was awarded because of the way the fish are caught and the historical link to sardine fishing in Cornish waters.