- Iconic pearling industry sustainability
recertified under global standard
- Industry certification now covers
hatchery-produced pearls as well as wild stock
- The fishery operates in the Pilbara, Kimberley,
and Northern Territory
Western Australia's
pearling industry is shining brightly this week after achieving its successful
recertification under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) sustainability
standard.
With the initial
certification in 2017, it became the first gem fishery in the world to achieve
the standard recognising the sustainable fishing of Pinctada maxima
oysters to produce pearls and other products.
The recertification
expands the sustainability credentials of the pearling industry to include
hatchery-produced pearl oysters grown in WA's pristine northern waters, as well
as the collection of pearl oysters from the wild.
WA has world-leading
fisheries management and research programs that provide the basis for the
sustainable harvest of our fish resources for the benefit of the community.
There are currently 12 WA
fisheries that hold the internationally recognised 'gold standard' MSC
certification, including the West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery - the
first fishery in the world to receive the MSC tick, and most recently Rare
Foods Australia's abalone ocean ranching operation.
The Cook Government is
committed to managing the State's commercial and recreational fisheries in a
sustainable way. This also supports jobs and economic growth, which is
especially important in regional areas.
Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
"The recertification of the pearl oyster fishery
strengthens its sustainability credentials through its broader application to
both wild stock and hatchery-produced pearl oysters.
"Achieving MSC recertification has been supported by the hard
work of licence holders Paspaley Pearling Company, Clipper Pearls, Cygnet Bay
Pearls and Willie Creek Pearls, who jointly wanted to expand the scope of their
sustainability accreditation to include the fishery's hatcheries in WA and the
Northern Territory.
"We congratulate our WA Pearl Oyster fishery for its long commitment to
sustainability and the fishing industry more broadly around the State, delivering
seafood and other products that are good for you and the ocean too."
