Challenge

Globally, overfishing is unfortunately more the rule than the exception, and in addition, the discarding of fish represents a large unknown factor. So-called UUU fishing (illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing) is a major problem worldwide.

Our operations within fisheries are based on fish as a natural resource. We therefore rely on proper management of the various species in the sea. For Lerøy to operate from a perspective of perpetuity, the marine natural resources must be managed sustainably. This means to maintain the natural dynamics of fish stocks and ecosystems so that fishing is sustainable.

Our ambition in this area

Contribute to the long-term sustainability and improvements of global fish resources.

How we take action / What action has been taken

Lerøy supports the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) program (read more abot MSC below).

Norway has a long tradition of sustainable fisheries management. Lerøy supports Norway's fishermen's association in working to document and increase the proportion of fisheries that meet the strict criteria relating to the stock situation, ecosystem impact and management practices in the MSC's fisheries standard. In 2022, Norwegian fishing for redfish and blue halibut was certified according to the MSC.

In 2023, the recertification process was completed, and cod and haddock caught within 12 nautical miles from 62 degrees north and onwards are once again MSC-certified. The fisheries have shown that they meet the strict criteria related to the stock situation, ecosystem impact and management practices in MSC's fisheries standard. 

How we measure our impact

Lerøy has target figures for the proportion of catch that comes from fisheries that have met the strict criteria related to the stock situation, ecosystem impact and management practices.

Target and result 

In 2023, the share of catches with MSC certification was 91%, compared to 95% in 2022. The reason for the decrease is due to a changed composition of catches with a lower proportion of traditional whitefish species such as cod, haddock, and saithe. Some cod and haddock were caught within 12 nautical miles in 2023 when the fisheries was not MSC certified. These fisheries are MSC certified and will naturally increase the share of catches with MSC certification in 2024. 

MSC (MARINE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL)

The MSC recognizes well-managed and sustainable fisheries through a certification program. The MSC sets principles and criteria for sustainable fisheries which are used by a third party and voluntary certification program.

The MSC recognizes well-managed and sustainable fisheries through a certification program. The MSC sets principles and criteria for sustainable fisheries which are used by a third party and voluntary certification program.

These principles are: 

• The maintenance and re-establishment of healthy populations of targeted species
• The maintenance of the integrity of ecosystems
• The development and maintenance of effective fisheries management systems, taking into account all relevant biological, technological, economic, social, environmental and commercial

Lerøy’s strategy is to support well-managed and sustainable fisheries and increase the share of certified fish.