Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd (MIFCO) has achieved Friend of the Sea (FoS) certification for its hand line fleet.
Yellowfin tuna from certified vessels operating in Western Indian Ocean is now authorised to carry the FoS eco-label.
“Friend of the Sea audit requirements are very strict so we are proud to have obtained the certification”, said Adley Ismail. CEO, MIFCO. “We will continue to rely on Friend of the Sea to increase the number of certified vessels.”
MIFCO currently has a traceability system in place so it can show which products originate from the FoS-approved fleet. The inspected vessels are registered under Ministry of Fisheries and Agricultutre (MOFA). MIFCO says it says the vessel registration copy and fishery license before purchasing the fish.
Targeted stock of yellowfin tuna is considered to be not overexploited according to the latest assessments. No protected areas, such as corals and seamounts, are affected by the fishing activity, according to FoS. The fleet operated within 100km to 250km away from the shore. The company is also approved Dolphin-Safe by the Earth Island Institute.
