Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Julie Decker, Executive Director
Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation
907-276-7315
jdecker@afdf.org

AFDF Becomes New Client for MSC Certification of Alaska Salmon

WRANGELL, Alaska (October 11th, 2019) – On October 1st, 2019, the Pacific Seafood Processors
Association (PSPA) transferred the Clientship and MSC certificate for Alaska salmon to the Alaska
Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF), concluding a deliberate and cooperative transfer
process. The MSC certificate for the Alaska salmon fishery remains unchanged and in good
standing. The Alaska salmon fishery originally received the sustainability certification from the
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in 2000. On April 23rd, 2019,
the Alaska salmon fishery successfully completed the full 5-year
re-certification under MSC. The current certificate is valid through
November 11th, 2023 (see MSC website for full certificate).

AFDF is also the Client for the MSC certification of Pacific cod and the Client
for the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification of Pacific cod
and Alaska salmon (visit the AFDF website for more information). PSPA and
AFDF anticipate that housing both the MSC and RFM Alaska salmon
certificates and Client Groups under AFDF will lead to efficiencies for industry
to coordinate and share resources, ideas and work products.

In order to sell Alaska salmon as MSC certified, primary processors (companies that purchase
Alaska salmon directly from fishermen) are required to be members of the MSC Alaska Salmon
Client Group and pay a fair and equitable share of the cost of the fishery certification in
proportion with the pounds of salmon purchased. AFDF uses a transparent cost-share model for
all MSC and RFM certification programs. AFDF continually looks for ways to reduce costs in
certification. Billing for membership to the MSC Alaska Salmon Client Group occurs annually in
April, prior to the commencement of each salmon season. Click here for the current Client
Group.

About the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation

Founded in 1978, AFDF is dedicated to identifying common opportunities in the Alaska seafood
industry and developing efficient, sustainable outcomes that provide benefits to the economy,
environment and communities. For more information, visit www.afdf.org.

Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation

P.O. Box 2223, Wrangell, AK 99929 - Ph: 907-276-7315
www.afdf.org