A certification scheme created to raise standards in the UK catching sector is to be refreshed to “bring it in line with the ever changing needs of the industry” and ensure a transparent supply chain.
The Responsible Fishing Scheme (RFS), which was developed by Seafish in 2006, will be modified by an Oversight Board – a group of industry experts including active fishermen – to redefine the requirements of the existing scheme to reflect future industry needs and achieve independent ISO accreditation for the first time.
“The Oversight Board will look at the high-level objectives of the scheme and assist in appointing a Technical Committee, which will include active fishermen, who will be responsible for developing a set of standards that are fit for purpose and play a strategic role in promoting a responsible industry with a sustainable future,” said Harvey Jones, chairman of the Board.
The RFS accreditation scheme rewards responsible fishing practices recognising care of catch, vessel standards, crew competence and environmental awareness.
RFS-certified vessels can potentially access new markets looking for responsibly sourced products with UK supermarket Morrisons recently announcing that UK vessels supplying to them must be accredited to the scheme by October 2014.
The Oversight Board will present the revised RFS standards to the Seafish board in September 2014 and if approved, will submit it for ISO 17065 accreditation before making the certification available to the catching sector.
