A Basque harbour. Photo by Asier Larraza.

The MSC organism have confirmed that the Cantabrian Anchovy captures are sustainable and environmentally friendly. This certification was obtained as a result of an independent assessment by the Bureau Veritas, under the MSC label for sustainable fishing. The fleet consists of 58 ships which caught 7000 tons in 2013.

This assessment has made clear that the population of anchovies is healthy and that the fishing activity is suitably managed, and that the marine environment is duly looked after.

Photo from Teinteresa.es

As it has already been explained by Conservas Olasagasti, the first shoals appear in April. The Basque fleet uses a very selective and environmentally friendly fishing method. The anchovy is caught by means of special nets (“redes de cerco”). The fishing boats surround the anchovy shoal circling it in a 360º angle. When the task is completed the net is fastened at the lower end and this prevents the anchovies from escaping. This net is hoisted and the fish is collected with a landing net.

It is important to know that the fishing is controlled and sustainable: Every year the biomass is worked out in April; then, the fry (small fishes) is counted in October. The following season fishing quota will be based on the results of that investigation.

They still use the traditional landing net. Photo by Asier Larraza

Today, with this distinction, announced by the MSC in Getaria (Basque Country) on March 27^th, this is the first time the Cantabrian anchovy fishing activity has been honored with this international prestigious accreditation; Moreover, it has also been the first time for this species in European Seas.

This is a milestone within the Cantabrian fishing activity since they have reached the recognition for the work carried out by the fishing fleet, the Administration and the Scientist in favour of the sustainability of our anchovy.

The assessment requested by MSC has established that the situation of our anchovy is healthy because the fishing activity is well managed, hardly damaging our marine ecosystem.

Not only have public institutions and ecological organisms supported all preservation measures of this Cantabrian delicacy, Conservas Olasagasti have had their word collaborating with the institutions aiming at respectful fishing methods and responsible consumption. For this reason, Olasagasti totally agreed when the anchovy fishing ground was closed between 2005 and 2010, which contributed to the recovery of the species.

MSC highlighted all these facts as well as the improvement of the managing policies. And as Laura Rodríguez, MSC Spain and Portugal Country Manager, explained, «There is high commercial interest in the MSC certified Cantabrian anchovy. European consumers increasingly seek the sustainability credentials granted by our certification, as well as the known quality of Cantabrian anchovies and the closeness of the fishing grounds. The certificate is open, so other fleets will very probably join soon, broadening the offer of Cantabrian products bearing the MSC ecolabel».

Finally, here are some dishes with our Olasagasti Basque Anchovies to celebrate the news. Enjoy them!

Olasagasti Anchovies a la Basque. Photo by Because

Olasagasti organic Anchovy fillets from the Cantabrian Sea in extra virgin olive oil. Photo&recipe by Marta Olass

Olasagasti Anchovy fillets in olive oil on a vegetable pizza. Made by Matteo Orlando.

A healthy Olasagasti Anchovy salad.

A jar of Olasagasti Cantabrian Anchovy fillets in olive oil.

La entrada Award for sustainable fishing in the Basque Country and Laredo by MSC. aparece primero en Blog de Conservas Olasagasti.

We are half way through autumn and the Bonito del Norte campaign is way back. Here on the Cantabrian coast the weather is exceptionally cold for us and the water temperature has lowered dramatically.

The impressive rough Cantabrian sea. Photo by Asier Larraza.

The Bonito del Norte, together with the Bluefin, is the most appreciated tuna in Spain and it is slowly invading more territories worldwide.

The quality of its flesh, its flavour and texture turn the White Tuna into an exquisite delicatessen. On the other hand, this species is sustainable thanks to our traditional fishing methods which respect our environment.

Between the months of June and September, the Bay of Biscay receives the migration of the White Tuna (and of the Bluefin Tuna) which comes to breed in our waters. That is the reason why it is so popular and we have got lots of recipes and ways to prepare it in the Basque Country.

Healthy (and gluten free) quality Mixed Salad for all the family.

Stew vegetables with Olasagasti tuna

Grilled white tuna.

Very popular Basque pintxo (tapa): white tuna, chilli, onion and anchovy

The best Bonito del Norte was canned by mid-October and we will soon commercialize it so as to store this delicacy for the whole year in our homes since it will keep all its organoleptic properties. Read more about it here.

The fishing is carried out following traditional methods: the fish is caught one by one in the Cantabrian Sea, always respecting the Quota set by the European Community.

Conservas Dentici-Olasagasti receive the catch from the nearby harbours and process it still fresh “en fresco”, by hand, in a totally artisan way.

The recent catch is unloaded at a Basque harbour

We process the fresh fish on the same day.

Qualified staff process the recent caught fish.

We belong to the Association of Traditional Canners of the Basque Coast. Our label praises the defense and promotion of a different authentic product: high quality Bay of Biscay Canned Tuna guaranteeing the origin of the fish and the manufacturing processes, 100% from the Basque Country. Amazing! And when you taste it, you do make the difference. See more about it.

Seal of Quality for the Basque Country White Tuna (Bonito del Norte)

The seal of quality was created to differentiate our White Tuna (which is caught selectively in our Cantabrian sea and processed following traditional methods) from other tunas from elsewhere and therefore processed after being frozen, sometimes in countries where labour cost is cheaper. Unfortunately, these other products have similar labels which may be misleading for some customers.

A range of our products in glass jars. (Al them are glutenfree)

Now that you know the meaning of our Seal of Quality, you can choose accordingly. It is a must to be well informed, especially when you are looking for quality: don´t let yourself be cheated.

 

La entrada Don´t be fooled! aparece primero en Blog de Conservas Olasagasti.