Global · Case study

Peterhead Port Authority, Scotland

Peterhead Port Authority, Peterhead, Scotland.Peterhead Port Authority's fish market achieved MSC Chain of Custody certification in 2019; the port additionally became the first Responsible Fishing Port under the Seafish scheme in April 2019.

Summary:

Peterhead is Europe's largest fishing port, with more than £232 million of landings in 2023 (Fish Focus, 2024).

The port authority built its Chain of Custody certification on a foundation of MSC certified fisheries that land into Peterhead. Peterhead's certification supports traceability of eligible MSC-certified seafood handled within its certified scope. Subsequent businesses must meet applicable Chain of Custody and label-use requirements; certification does not make all seafood passing through the market MSC-certified (Peterhead Port Authority, 2019; Marine Stewardship Council, n.d.).

The port reports that MSC certification strengthens the reputation of the market and individual businesses and opens up new business opportunities. Benefits include customer assurance and enhanced market access, complementing the port's BRCGS AA rating for its fish market, awarded in September 2018. Costs associated with certification include annual surveillance audits and recertification every three years.

Transferability:

DMC fishing ports can use MSC Chain of Custody certification to support traceability for certified seafood sold through port-run fish markets. It works best where MSC certified fisheries already land at the port, so ports should first map which fleets hold certification. Pairing it with food safety or responsible fishing port schemes can strengthen market access. Ports should budget for annual surveillance audits and recertification every three years.

Sources

All information used for this case study was based on publicly available resources.