Handline mackerel fishermen in the South West have been awarded an Objective 1 Fisheries Grant for over £2,500 to maintain its accreditation with the Marine Stewardship Council for the next three years.

Prince Charles awarded handline-caught mackerel the prestigious award over 18 months ago at a ceremony in Padstow.

The MSC label confirms that the fishery is well managed and sustainable and that the catching methods used have a minimum effect on the ecosystem. The label is then promoted by the MSC to buyers and the public who increasingly demand fish that carries this label.

Fish merchants throughout Cornwall are joining the scheme so that the public is assured that sustainably caught mackerel is available.

The certificate is in place for 5 years but is subject to annual re-assessment and the grant awarded will enable the South West Handline Fishermen’s Association to bring in consultants Moody Marine to undertake the assessment.

David Muirhead, Secretary of the South West Handline Fishermen’s Association commented "We are now seeing financial benefits from the accreditation. The fishery does however, have to be reassessed annually. The grant will be of great benefit to all the handline fisherman as it will give us considerable financial assistance over the next three years."

Clare Leverton, Programme Manager of the Objective 1 Fisheries Programme said "The continuation of this MSC award is essential to give consumers confidence in the non-damaging and environmentally friendly form of fishing. I hope that other sustainable fishing methods will be applying for grant aid in the near future to help them receive this status."