Last updated 05:00 11/05/2009

The eco-labelling of New Zealand fish will dupe consumers in the international market unless backed by sustainable fishing, environmentalists say.

The fishing industry is applying to have hake, ling, Nelson-Marlborough scallops, southern blue whiting and troll-caught albacore tuna granted Marine Stewardship Council eco-labels.

The sustainable logo, which is held by New Zealand hoki, gives more access to international markets and high prices.

However, Greenpeace oceans campaigner Karli Thomas questioned why the industry was seeking further certification when, she said, it had not cleaned up its act on hoki.

The seal bycatch remained an ongoing concern in the hoki fishery and not enough was being done to allow the recovery of stocks, despite harvest reductions.

Read full article from Stuff.

Filed under: Ali Perkins, Conservation, News/Current Affairs