- Certifier :
- Control Union (UK) Limited
- Certified status :
- Withdrawn
- Certified since :
- 06 May 2016
- Certificate expires :
- 05 Nov 2021
Overview
Fisheries are composed of one or more parts, each of which is entitled to receive an MSC certificate. These parts or “units” are defined by their target stock(s), fishing gear type(s) and if relevant vessel type(s), and the fishing fleets or groups of vessels.
When the term “Unit of Certification” is used for fishing units that are in assessment, it refers to the “Unit of Assessment” or “Unit of potential certification”. Expand a status below to view the parts that form this fishery. To check the detailed scope, download the latest certificate or open the Assessments page to get the latest report. Find out more by visiting our page on Fisheries
Catch by Species
| Species | Reported Catch Year | Metric Tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| Sole (Solea solea) | 2019 | 329.2 |
Information is provided by an independent Conformity Assessment Body as live weight (the weight of species at the time of catch, before processing) and where a fishing season covers multiple years, the end year is given as the reported catch year. Additional information is available in the latest report, see the assessments page.
About this Fishery
This artisanal fishery – running from the Belgian border to France’s Cherbourg tip – comprises 85 vessels working out of five ports in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Haute Normandie regions. The boats are from 10 to 17 metres long, and all use trammel nets to capture their high-value quarry.
Sole (Solea solea) is a prized culinary fish, living on sand or mud. It can reach a maximum length of about 70cm. The sole from this fishery is sold fresh, mostly at auction. French retail giant Carrefour resells some of the catch and – in a groundbreaking move – has sponsored the fishery to achieve MSC certification.
This is the first time a retailer has offered financial support towards the assessment, and reflects the growing consumer demand for sustainable seafood. If the fishery becomes certified, it will be the first French sole fishery to achieve the standard.
FROM Nord’s share of the 2013 TAC was 2,687 tonnes.
“The partnership between FROM Nord and Carrefour for the assessment of this fishery is the perfect illustration of what the MSC strives to promote: bringing together the industry's stakeholders, such as fishermen and retailers, to advance the common goal of sustainable fishing.” - Edouard Le Bart, MSC Country Manager for France
Common sole (Solea solea) image © Scandinavian Fishing Year Book
Market Information
Product is sold as fresh and no processing takes place aboard the vessels. The sole are sold at the fish auctions of Dunkerque, Dieppe, Fecamp, Cherbourg and Boulogne-Sur-Mer.