Complexe Industriel Bel Hassan (Cibel) has obtained Friend of the Sea international sustainability certification for its fishmeal and fish oil production.
One of the leading canned sardines and mackerel producers in Morocco, Cibel achieved Friend of the Sea certification for its sardines and mackerel in 2012. It works with a fleet of 23 purse seine and midwater trawl fishing vessels which are strictly managed under the national fishing plan. Cibel complies with Friend of the Sea requirements due to its selective fishing method, no by catch of endangered species and by keeping stock within maximum sustainable yield.
“All our employees strongly believe in our duty to protect the oceans,” said Mohamed El Baissi, general manager of Cibel. “Marine resources are essential both for their contribution to biodiversity as well as for the sustainability of our economy. This is why Friend of the Sea principles have become part of our company policy.”
Last year, the company, which has offices and production sites located between Agadir and Tan Tan, felt the need to meet an increasing market demand for sustainable products and so started the process of certifying all its factories, including its fishmeal and fish oil plants.
According to the latest industry data, over one third of fish meal and fish oil originate from trimmings and bycuts from processing lines, meaning waste is reduced as well as the pressure on fish stocks.
