Global sustainable seafood certifier, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has officially certified New Zealand hake and ling as sustainable seafood.

The two species now join New Zealand hoki, albacore and southern blue whiting as sustainable varieties under the MSC’s strict criteria.

As only nine percent of the world’s fish harvest is certified as sustainable, MSC manger Australia and New Zealand, Patrick Caleo  says that the addition of hake and ling to the MSC certified list will provide greater choice for retailers and consumers.

“The MSC programme has credible standards for sustainable fishing and seafood which aims to increase the availability of certified sustainable seafood. It is great news for retailers and seafood lovers with both New Zealand ling and New Zealand hake being awarded the certification,” says Caleo.

Jason Plato, general manager consumer of global seafood enterprise, Sealord, says that the company along with its joint venture partner Westfleet will be able to supply over 330 tonnes of fresh certified sustainable fish annually.

“Australians love ling, it's an interesting pink-skinned fish with firm white flesh that is great for many different cooking methods. The MSC certification reinforces what most retailers and a growing number of consumers know - that New Zealand fish is sustainably caught and our fisheries are in good shape,” he said.