Friend of the Sea certification for New Zealand’s CRAMAC5 has been renewed, following a successful renewal audit.
CRAMAC5 is a member of the New Zealand Rock Lobster Industry Council (NZ RLIC) and its sustainable fishing of red rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) has been reconfirmed.
CRAMAC5 membership comprises quota owners, processors, exporters, and fishermen.
Lobsters are caught by potting in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, in the specific area of Canterbury and Marlborough known as CRA5. This method has a minimal bycatch and a very low impact on the seabed. The audit activity, including onboard observations, has confirmed the total absence of banned fishing gears and methods, chemical substances or explosives.
CRAMAC5 fully complies with the comprehensive program of monitoring, surveillance, control and enforcement implemented by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries. A comprehensive traceability system is in place in order to guarantee that all Friend of the Sea requirements are fulfilled and that no mixing occurs between certified and non-certified origins.
“For nearly two decades CRAMAC5 has been working hard to make sure that lobster resources are well-looked after and the fishing activity meets appropriate environmental standards”, explains Mr Wichman of CRAMAC5. “We are proud that Friend of the Sea certification has been renewed, as it validates our continuous efforts.”
