NovaNam (Pty) Ltd, a Namibian-based subsidiary of the Nueva Pescanova Group, the At-Sea Processors Association (APA), representing US-flagged Alaskan pollock catcher-processors, and the Fishing Industry Association – Papua New Guinea (FIA-PNG) have become the first organisations to complete FISH Standard for Crew audits, a voluntary third-party certification programme for labour practices on vessels in wild-capture fisheries.
The audits were originally planned for 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic prevented auditor travel and limited access to quarantined crews.
FISH Standard for Crew Executive Director, Mike Kraft, said that he was “truly excited” about the geographical, operational and organisational diversity of the fleets that have come forward for the first audits, while Chair of the FISH Standard’s Board of Directors and Chief Human Resources Officer at Brim, Fridrik Fridriksson, said FISH could serve as one of the tools to help ensure fishers are treated fairly and responsibly, and give harvesters a way to demonstrate that commitment to their stakeholders.
“Focus on the responsible treatment of workers is only increasing and stakeholders expect that seafood not only offer environmentally, sustainable sources, but socially responsible ones as well,” Fridriksson said.
FISH audits include onsite vessel inspections and in-person crew interviews, in addition to policy and procedure reviews.
The audits in Namibia, Seattle, and Papua New Guinea, were performed by Bureau Veritas, MRAG Americas, and SGS auditors.
The NovaNam review covers nine deep-sea trawlers and APA’s review represents 14 catcher/processor vessels. FIA-PNG previously announced its pursuit of FISH certification for 32 purse-seiners.
Final reports and results are currently being completed.
Additionally, Iceland Responsible Fisheries Foundation (IRFF) and Phoenix Processor Limited Partnership of Seattle have also initiated the FISH process and will conduct third-party audits in the coming months.
