Weak Gulf of Alaska cod stocks could lead to suspension of MSC certification

Historically low levels of Pacific cod in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) that prompted a shutdown of cod fishery for the 2020 season could also result in a suspension of the fishery's Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.

The fishery's MSC auditor MRAG Americas plans to conduct a "remote expected audit" of the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod fisheries on February 6.

"This expedited audit will review the new information regarding the GOA Pacific cod stock status," MRAG said.