Alaska At-Sea Processors say MSC is at 'Reputational Risk' After Tragic Sinking of Dainiy Vostok
The At-Sea Processors Association (APA) has asked the MSC and Intertek Fisheries Certification to answer for recent facts pertaining to the sinking of the Russian trawler Dainiy Vostok that show an immense disregard for independent verification of statements made by Russian management authorities. According to the APA the statements in questions were used by Intertek to award MSC certification to the fishery. Reports have indicated that 40 percent of the personnel on board the Dalniy Vostok were foreign nationals working illegally on the Russian trawler. According to John Sackton, the Processors Association--representing MSC certified Pollock producers in Alaska--is saying that legitimate Russian operators, the Supply Chain which buys these products, other MSC certified fisheries, and the MSC itself, all are at reputational risk unless steps are taken to independently verify policies and enforcement by the managers of the Russian pollock fishery.
Birds Eye’s fish finger brand Iglo is set to be sold off to Nomad Foods in a deal estimated to be worth US$2.8 billion. The sale is expected to be primarily funded in cash. Permira would continue to hold a 9 percent stake in Iglo under the agreement.
In other news, Maine’s seafood vendors are plugging their coldwater shrimp inventories with more Canadian product. Dealers have had to turn to imported Canadian pandalus borealis with local domestic supplies severely limited since Maine’s fishery has been shut down the past two seasons.
Finally, New Zealand seafood distributor Sanford has permanently closed its mussel processing operation in Christchurch effective today. Sanford said shifting weather patterns have forced the company to refocus its processing operations to points in South Island. The company plans to consolidate the Christchurch operations at its Havelock site.
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