The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) has confirmed that 38 vessels have signed up for its ProActive Vessel Register (PVR), a database of vessels that have committed to improve fishing practices.
Through the PVR, retailers, processers, suppliers and consumers can identify vessels that are taking a proactive approach to conservation and enacting responsible, modern day fishing practices.
As a collaborative, interactive tool, the PVR provides validated information on each vessel that is registered and tracks vessel-specific details on their progress towards implementing a series of standards set by ISSF. These commitments include improvements such as 100% observer coverage, skipper training and the end to at-sea transshipments for purse seine vessels. Vessels will also be provided iPads® with educational materials, knowledge testing, and data gathering applications for skippers. All data recorded will be provided to the scientific bodies of the Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs), on a confidential basis, to help improve science and shape policy.
“We all know that for tuna fisheries, there’s a lot of work to do. And at the same time, we should not just walk away from vessels that need time to make changes. The ProActive Vessel Register is exactly what is needed right now. Vessels that are making positive steps will be identified, verified and that information will be publically available” said ISSF president Susan Jackson.
Vessels can go to ISSF’s website and fill out an application to begin the process of joining the ProActive Vessel Register. To ensure transparency an independent third-party will conduct audits and a regular review of vessels on the register.
Companies from North America, Central America, South America, Europe and Africa currently have vessels listed on the PVR, including: Albacora, S.A.; Interatun, Ltd.; Guayatuna, S.A.; Integral Fishing Services, Inc; Overseas Tuna Company, N.V.; Pesquera Ugavi, S.A.; Uniocean, S.A; Atunera Dularra S.L.U.; Atunera Sant Yago, S.A.; Conservas Isabel Ecuatoriana, S.A.; Servicios Atuneros del Norte, S.A.; and TriMarine.
