Sustainability

Traceability

Traceability systems enable the information on fish to be traced throughout the food chain. From the area they were caught to details of their health, all information on Norwegian cod is readily available.

We were one of the first in the world to introduce such a system, helping us cement our status as pioneers within the industry. It’s a vital part of our seafood management process and strengthens consumer confidence in the reliability of Norwegian cod.

For us, traceability is key.

Catch certificates

Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing has no place in a sustainable future. Our stringent quotas and management process ensure that in our waters the figure is almost zero, and we prevent IUU fish from entering the EU market.

Catch certificates allow us to pursue this goal. By law, all first-hand fish trade with wild fish caught are, under the Raw Fish Act, managed by fishermen’s sales associations. In practice, fishermen report their catches to the associations, who sell it on their behalf.

In the process, a catch certificate is issued, displaying where the fish is caught and clarifying that it legally complies with all current regulations and quotas. These catch certificates are reported to the Norwegian fishing authority, the Directorate of Fisheries.

Catch certificate

The following slides will teach you how to read a catch certificate

Global trade item number

This is a unique number used to identify the product.

Size

This is the products weight in kilograms.

Treatment

This describes how the product has been treated. It will either be gutted, filleted or head off.

Quality

This describes the quality of the product. Blank means it is shiny, quality that it has ice under the fish and in the neck, and SUP means that it is a superior product.

Preservation

Your product can either be fresh or frozen.

Net weight

This is the weight of the total number of fish in the box without the ice.

Catch certificate, Global Trade Item Number highlighted

Catch certificate, treatment highlighted

Catch certificate, preservation highlighted

Catch certificate, net weight highlighted

Chain of custody

The requirement for certification means that from catch to caterer, fish can be tracked and managed through the supply chain. It’s a pioneering and comprehensive tracing system, and one that helps ensure our industry remains sustainable.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SUSTAINABLE COD

Our pristine waters are the perfect ecosystem for cod to grow strong, yielding chunky and succulent flesh. Below are some suggestions for where to head next to learn more about why Norwegian cod is so sustainable.