Anchovies achieve FoS certification

The anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus) are caught in the FAO areas 37.1 and 37.2 in the Mediterranean Sea (excluding GSA zone 16 of the Sicilian Sea) by artisanal fishing.

The vessels are equipped with ‘lamparas’ - large, powerful torches which attract the anchovies to the surface at night. Only pelagic purse seine fishing gear is used, with no impact on the seabed. The target school is checked with a small net, before the major net is deployed, in order to further reduce the level of bycatch. The fleet is not operative in winter time (biological recovery from October to January, or from November to February) which corresponds to the breeding season.

Pesce Azzurro Cefalù has an effective Chain of Custody which guarantees that no mixing occurs between approved and non-approved products.

“Fishing and processing anchovies only from approved Friend of the Sea sources is an important engagement for Pesce Azzurro Cefalù by limiting the impact that production activities may have on the environment and by preserving it,” said Filippa Paternò of Pesce Azzurro Cefalù Srl. “The Italian consumers are more and more demanding for sustainability and Pesce Azzurro Cefalù’s own company policy has always given highest relevance to environmental conservation and marine habitat conservation.”