The now long drawn out controversy over Alaska’s certification system as opposed to that of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), whereby fisheries in this North American state decided to stand up to the MSC seal and commit themselves to their own regional brand as a guarantee of quality, appears to be drawing to a close. The fact is that many of the processors who, at the time, opposed the Alaska brand, are now planning on going back to the MSC seal.
This change of stance suggests that the Alaska producers are looking in all directions in an attempt to deal with a market characterized by a high stock of frozen fish left over from the last season, alongside an excellent outlook for catches, and a reduced global demand because of the strong U.S. dollar.
Following on from statements made by these processors, it transpires that their main objective is not to let the opportunity go by to offer the buyer the option of choosing both certificates. The fact of the matter is that one guarantee does not detract from the other and, as everyone knows, there is strength through unity (and it opens up niche markets).