Advocating for the sustainable management of the NEA Blue Whiting
2025.3.10
EFFOP is a member of The North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy Group (NAPA) representing the fishmeal and fish oil producers in the collective of retailers, aquafeed producers, salmon producers, foodservice companies and suppliers committed to long-term sustainability through robustly managed pelagic fisheries.
NAPA addresses the pressing issue of mismanagement of key pelagic fish stocks in the Northeast Atlantic, such as blue whiting.
Fishmeal produced from Blue Whiting plays a crucial role in the European salmon industry, serving as a key feed ingredient for farmed salmon, one of the world’s most popular seafood products. The feed companies and salmon producers are committed to buy only certified feed ingredients, and the lack of a unified quota-sharing agreement among Coastal States is a hindrance for certification by certification bodies such as MSC and Marin Trust. The stock is currently certified under a “Fisheries Improvement Programme” running until October 2026.
The failure to reach agreement between coastal states punishes an industry that is committed to responsible practices and the value chains that depend on it. NAPA also warned against complacency in the face of recent stock assessments that suggest the fishery is in robust health: no stock can withstand overfishing indefinitely, and the current healthy state of the NEA blue whiting should not distract from the urgent need for action.
In light of these concerns, NAPA urges the Coastal States to adopt science-based management practices and establish a quota sharing agreement for NEA blue whiting. Such an agreement is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of the stock and the industries it supports.
Read the press release here: link.
EFFOP joined NAPA in June 2024 and, like the members of the collective, we promote sustainable practices within our industry to ensure that our operations make a positive contribution to the global food supply while maintaining the health of our oceans. Sound management based on the best available scientific advice is essential for the long-term viability of our sector and the marine ecosystem.
In this regard, we urge Coastal States to work together to establish effective, science-based management arrangements for the NEA fisheries. We stand with NAPA in advocating for responsible management of the NEA blue whiting fishery and urge all stakeholders to support efforts to achieve sustainable fisheries management.
