The largest tuna fleet in France - Compagnie Française du Thon Océanique (CFTO) - has achieved Friend of the Sea certification for its fleet of 13 purse seine vessels.
Now yellowfin, skipjack, bigeye and albacore tuna from the purse seiners are eligible to carry the FoS eco-label. Part of the fleet operates in the Atlantic Ocean (FAO areas 34 and 47) and the other part in the Indian Ocean (FAO areas 51 and 57).
All vessels are registered with ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) and IOTC (Indian Ocean Tuna Commission) and they fish in accordance with these two RFMO recommendations. The fleet is also recognised by the Earth Island Institute as Dolphin-Safe.
CFTO has a responsible fishing policy aimed at minimising the impact on immature fish and other associated species. Bycatch accounts for no more than 2.6% of the total catch and the use of non-entangling nets reduces the FADs’ unwanted impact. Also, the proper handling of bycatch reduces mortality.
“Friend of the Sea audit requirements are very strict so we are proud to have obtained the certification”, explains Mr Kuhn, president of CFTO/ SOVETCO. “We will continue to rely on Friend of the Sea to improve our commitment to the marine environment and to social accountability.”
