SGS Product & Process Certification - Marine Stewardship Council

8.2 Public consultation
Public announcements of the progression of the assessment were made as per MSC
requirements.
8.3 Stakeholder consultation
Extent of available information
At the time this assessment was undertaken, one other MSC full assessment of a sea bass
fishery in the North Sea had been completed (NESFC sea bass fishery), the findings of which
are presented in a published assessment report on the MSC web site.
A number of stakeholder organisations and individuals having relevant interest in the fishery
assessment were identified and consulted during this assessment. The interest of others not
appearing on this list was solicited through the postings on the MSC website, and by
advertising in the Dutch Visserijnieuws.
Initial approaches were made by email and followed up by phone conversations. Issues raised
during correspondence were investigated during research and information gathering activities,
and during interviews.
Most stakeholders contacted during this exercise either indicated that they had no direct
interest in this fishery assessment, or that they had no particular cause for concern with regard
to its assessment to the MSC standard.
Stakeholder issues
Written and verbal representations were provided to the assessment team expressing a range
of views, opinions and concerns, illustrated by the written responses received from Jan Willem
Wijnstroom (Sportvisserij Nederland, Royal Dutch Angling Association) and Ruud Vergouwen,
(fisherman KG 5), see Appendix 5. The main points raised are summarised below.
Bass is a prime target species for recreational anglers, and the increase in bass abundance in
the North Sea provides the Dutch recreational angling sector with new opportunities, with an
estimated annual socio economic value of 15,8 million Euro.
More than 50 % of Dutch sport anglers advocate improved bass stock management, and there
is common interest with commercial anglers (VBHL) who fish for bass in a management
system that benefits bass and other marine resources. Sportvisserij Nederland wants to be
involved in a regular dialogue with VBHL as a starting point to set up a bass management plan
for both fisheries.
There are very little scientific research data available on eastern North Sea bass populations.
General perception amongst recreational anglers is that mature and bigger bass are getting
scarcer.
Because reference points have not yet been defined for the bass stocks in ICES Sub-area IV, a
main assessment using the default assessment tree would very likely result in a score below
the unconditional level, but above the minimal level. If so, it will attract a condition that requires
the client to liaise with Research Bodies (IMARES, CEFAS) and have a part in the further
development of reference points for the North Sea stock that would support a sustainable
Page 36 of 151