Saving Seafood

Friend of the Sea to require satellite monitoring of certified fishing fleets

December 7, 2021 — The Friend of the Sea (FOS) sustainability-focused certification program is implementing a requirement of 24/7 satellite monitoring of its certified fishing fleets.

The addition of the monitoring program is intended to increase consumer confidence in the sustainability of FOS products and provide stronger protection to associated fish stocks, the group said in a press release. The new Sea Satellite Monitoring Program (SMP) will allow constant monitoring for all 2,000 Friends of the Sea certified fishing vessels to ensure compliance with fishing seasons, authorized fishing areas, transshipment at sea, social accountability, and other certification obligations. The SMP monitoring includes onboard CCTVS, drones, and unannounced “augmented reality” audits.

Read the full story at SeafoodSource

Hai Trieu Food Earns Friend of The Sea Certification for Sustainable Wild-Caught Yellowfin Tuna

November 8, 2021 — Friend of the Sea, the global certification standard for products and services that respect and protect the marine environment, is pleased to announce the certification of Hai Trieu Food for sustainable fishing practices. Consequently, the company can display the Friend of the Sea eco-label on its products, highlighting its efforts to protect and preserve the environment.

Hai Trieu Food was established in 2006 in Vietnam and, after 13 years in business, has become one of the leading seafood companies in the country. With a seven vessels fleet, Hai Trieu Food specializes in processing and exporting wild-caught yellowfin tuna products with high-quality international standards.

Yellowfin tuna is one of Vietnam’s most important exports, surpassing a total annual value of more than 300 million dollars. However, as the national tuna industry grows, so does the need to protect the country’s magnificent marine biodiversity from the impact of unsustainable fishing practices.

Read the full story at Friends of the Sea

 

Satellite Monitoring of Fishing Fleets: A Definitive Answer To Consumer Concerns About Sustainable Seafood.

November 5, 2021 — The following was released by Friend of the Sea:

Friend of the Sea, the leading international certification of sustainable seafood and Omega3, has developed its own enhanced platform based on satellite technology to monitor the over 2.000 Friend of the Sea approved fishing vessels.

The Friend of the Sea Satellite Monitoring Program (SMP) is part of a monitoring enhancement program, which includes among the others, deployment of CCTVs onboard, drones and unannounced augmented reality audit. These new technologies will eliminate the risk of non-compliance and further reassure consumers about the reliability of the Friend of the Sea certification.

By means of the SMP, vessels are monitored continuously 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Satellite monitoring allows for verification of compliance with regulations related to fishing season; authorized fishing areas; transshipment at sea and Social Accountability.

“Consumers and retailers looking for a certification carrying out not only annual onsite inspections, but also full-time monitoring of fishing activities, can now rely on Friend of the Sea for a safer sustainable choice” explains Paolo Bray, Founder and Director of Friend of the Sea. 

“Satellite monitoring is an exclusivity of Friend of the Sea, making it the first and only certification monitoring each moment of the fishing activity, to protect the Oceans from unsustainable fishing. Our aim is to make sure that all industrial vessels approved Friend of the Sea will, by the end of 2023 have CCTVs on board to allow Friend of the Sea verification of compliance with issues related to bycatch, fishing methods, endangered species, fish welfare and social accountability. New technologies make Friend of the Sea the most reliable certification in the seafood market”.

From Jaws to Shark Week: How Much Do You Know About Sharks? On Shark Awareness Day, Learn Why We Need to Protect Them

July 13, 2021 — The following was released by Friend of the Sea:

No other species from the animal kingdom has starred in so many Hollywood films, such as sharks (more than 180, to be precise). From Jaws to Megalodon and Sharknado, most of them picture sharks as brutal creatures. However, over the past decades, it’s humans who have cornered sharks, putting them under the threat of extinction.

Overfishing, shark finning, and bycatch are responsible for killing more than 100 million sharks a year. An alarming figure, especially considering some shark species have a slow reproduction cycle, taking a very long time for them to recover. According to the IUCN Red List, more than 300 shark and ray species are classified as endangered, including the famous white shark, the whale shark, and the hammerhead.

For this reason, on this year’s Shark Awareness Day, Friend of the Sea invites everyone to join the efforts to protect them, starting with getting the facts right.

DIVERSE AND INDISPENSABLE
There are more than 500 species of sharks in the ocean. They come in all sizes and colors. For example, a great white shark can reach up to 6 meters long. However, half of all shark species measure less than one-meter long. Some feed on plankton and tiny fish, while others prefer bigger prey, such as seals or sea lions.

Apex predator sharks play a crucial role in the ecosystem, helping maintain the balance in many ways. But, as much as we like to imagine, they’re not fond of hunting humans. Instead, sharks tend to attack people out of curiosity or because they feel threatened. In 2020, there were 57 confirmed unprovoked attacks worldwide, resulting in 10 deaths, according to an international database.

WHO’S THE PREDATOR?
It’s rather humans who have hunted down shark sin an unsustainable way, bringing the species to a critical point. A recent study showed that oceanic populations of sharks and rays have shrunk by 71%, mainly because of overfishing.

Fisheries target sharks especially for their fins which are considered a delicacy in certain countries. The practice of shark finning is particularly cruel, and though it has been banned in several countries, it persists. It implies cutting fins off live sharks and then throwing them wounded to the ocean, where they die painfully from suffocation, blood loss, or eaten by other predators.

There is also a market for shark meat, with European countries representing the most significant share. In addition to being targeted for their fins and meat, sharks often end up in fishing nets as incidental bycatch.

BE A FRIEND OF THE SHARKS
So, on this 14th of July, instead of playing a shark film, learn with Friend of the Sea how we can protect sharks.

Friend of the Sea, a project from the World Sustainability Organization, promotes fisheries practices responsible with sharks, necessary trade regulations for vulnerable shark species, responsible consumption, and the creation of protected areas.

Additionally, Friend of the Sea has instated several initiatives to support shark conservation efforts, such as:

On Shark Awareness Day, become a friend of the sharks and help us save these magnificent creatures.

The marine ecosystem will thank you.

Friend of the Sea Certifies SeaExpert for Sustainable Seaweed Production in the Azores

July 12, 2021 — The following was released by Friend of the Sea:

Friend of the Sea, the global certification standard for products and services that respect and protect the marine environment, has recognized seaExpert for sustainable seaweed production. Therefore, seaExpert can now display the Friend of the Sea label, certifying the engagement with sustainable marine practices.

SeaExpert, a company created in 2003 in the Azores archipelago, is a seaweed producer. It supplies clients with algae biomass for various uses, including cosmetics, supplements, livestock feed, and scientific research.

Seaweed, the generic name for different marine plants and algae, has been described as a game-changer. Filled with vitamins, minerals, proteins, and amino acids, it has immense potential, not only for human health but also for the planet. Including seaweed in cattle feed has the power to offset ruminant methane emissions, a gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect.

Friend of the Sea certifies companies that respect sustainable seaweed harvesting and farming. This standard aims to protect from overfishing wild seaweeds, which serve as a crop and as a habitat for hundreds of other ocean species.

The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, has a natural abundance of numerous algae species. SeaExpert identified the benefits of each specimen and developed a sustainable production process from harvesting to drying respecting the Friend of the Sea guidelines.

SeaExpert is licensed to harvest nine different species of algae, using sustainable techniques to have minimum impact on the marine ecosystem while supplying a high-quality product.The seaweed is harvested manually through scuba diving within seasons with the highest bioavailability rates.

The algae are dried in green houses or solar dryers, being monitored throughout the whole process. Once dried, the seaweeds are carefully weighed, packed, and stored.

“The protection of the ecosystem through sustainable practices is at the core of our company,” said a seaExpert’s spokesperson. “Achieving the Friend of the Sea certification represents a milestone as well as an encouragement to continue working.”

SeaExpert algae are an excellent component for the cosmetic industry. Scientific research has found that seaweed has hydrating and exfoliating benefits, as well as unique healing properties for people with acne, rosacea, and skin sensitivity.

“Seaweed production has boomed in the last years. Supporting companies involved in this emerging and promising sector to implement sustainable practices is crucial,” said Paolo Bray, Founder and Director of Friend of the Sea.

The core criteria of the Friend of the Sea sustainable seaweed certification are:

  • No impact on critical habitat.
  • Water monitoring.
  • Prohibition of using hazardous substances.
  • Energy management.
  • Social accountability.
  • Traceability.

Friend of the Sea launches new Whale-Safe Certification and releases Whale Ship Strikes Dossier.

March 19, 2021 — The following was released by Friend of the Sea:

Friend of the Sea, a program of the World Sustainability Organization, has launched a new Whale-Safe certification and released a Whale Ship Strikes Dossier. A whale ship strike is a collision, sometimes lethal, between any type of boat and a whale. Friend of the Sea’s Whale-Safe program aims at motivating shipping operators to reduce the risk of whale ship strikes.The Whale-Safe label is awarded to those shipping operators which implement measures to prevent whale ship-strikes: a combination of thermal cameras, online reporting systems, shift in shipping lanes.

Whales can be difficult to spot for vessel operators because they are not always clearly visible from the surface. Even if the vessel operator can see the whale clearly, there may not be time to take action to avoid the collision. All sizes and types of vessels, from large ships to jet skis, have the potential to get into a collision with a whale.

Experts estimate that at least 20,000 whales are struck and killed by cargo, cruise, and fishing ships. Fatal collision rates in high-risk areas have almost doubled in the past 40 years and whale populations have been reduced by 50 percent.

The increase in global maritime traffic has resulted in a rise in the number of collisions with marine species, especially dolphins and whales. This remarkable increase in maritime shipping over the last 50 years poses a threat around the globe to several populations of large cetaceans, such as dolphins and whales.

The Whale Ship Strikes Dossier identifies 11 high-risk areas for collisions including Sri Lanka, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, and Canary Island, among others.The dossier also indicates 12 species of whale that are among the highest risk populations including the Western North Atlantic Right Whale, and the Blue Whale.

“The Whale-Safe logo will finally help shipping operators engaged at protecting whales to be highlighted face their business and consumers customers.” explains Paolo Bray, Founder and Director of Friend of the Sea.

To download the full Whale Ship Strikes dossier and a video on how to stop whale ship strikes, or to sign the Save the Whales petition, visit https://friendofthesea.org/marine-conservation-projects-and-awareness/save-the-whales-2 

To apply for the Whale-Safe logo please write to info@friendofthesea.org

Friend of the Sea revises aquaculture, fish welfare certification standards

December 11, 2020 — Milan, Italy-based nonprofit Friend of the Sea (FoS) is revising its Sustainable Aquaculture and Fish Welfare certification standards and their respective audit guidance, with the aim of strengthening sustainability and farm management criteria.

The revision process opened for public consultation on 4 December, 2020, with comment invited from stakeholders and interested parties until 1 February 2021.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

Seafood certification schemes embracing virtual audits in the face of the COVID-19 crisis

April 22, 2020 — Coronavirus-prevention protocols around the world are encouraging limited in-person interaction and self-isolation where possible, measures that have necessitated that seafood certifiers go virtual with their auditing processes.

Recognizing the safety concerns onsite audits pose amid the global pandemic, Milan, Italy-headquartered Friend of the Sea (FOS) has launched its Sustainable Augmented Reality Audits (SARA). SARA allows a qualified auditor to carry out an onsite inspection from a control panel that commands remote “eyes” and records a complete video of the audit, FOS said in a press release. The video and recording of the audit are immediately sealed via blockchain, preventing any possible editing.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

Major Chinese fish oil producer and exporter Shandong Yuwang Pharmaceutical approved Friend of the Sea

November 19, 2018 — The following was released by Friend of the Sea:

Chinese manufacturer Shandong Yuwang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has obtained Friend of the Sea certification for refined fish oil and softgel from Engraulis rigens sourced from FAO Area 87 (Southeast Pacific).

Friend of the Sea’s standard for sustainable fish oil and Omega-3 certifies that the oil originates only from fisheries that are compliant with Friend of the Sea’s sustainable fishing requirements, including good fishery management, selective fishing gears and social responsibility, and that a full chain of custody is in place throughout the supply and production chain.

Shandong Yuwang Pharmaceutical Co. Ldt., which processes 20000 tons of crude fish oil and produces 10000 tons of refined fish oil, is one of the largest world’s manufacturer of refined fish oil. While being exported to America and Europe, the finished fish oil also guarantees material supply of stringent standard’s fish oil preparation and products for Yuwang itself.

“We decided to join the Friend of the Sea project because we are eager to give our contribution in conserving the marine habitats and protecting them for future generations,” claims Albert Ho, Business Manager at Shandong Yuwang Pharmaceutical.

“The approval of Shandong Yuwang Pharmaceutical as a Friend of the Sea certified company consolidates the presence of our certification in China and is the confirmation that more and more fish oil manufacturers are committed towards environmental sustainability” comments Paolo Bray, Founder and Director of Friend of the Sea.

Sustainable Omega 3 Consumption: A Positive Trend Set to Increase

September 5, 2018 — The following was released by Friend of the Sea:

The size of the global omega 3 supplement industry has grown enormously in recent years. Evidence from the market shows that more and more consumers worldwide are demanding fish oils and nutrients which are not only healthy and of high quality, but are also respectful of the marine environment. After decades of campaigns by environmental activists and enlightened industry operators, the message has finally reached a rising number of eco-conscious individuals and households globally.

Friend of the Sea Standard for Omega 3

Back in 2010, Friend of the Sea (FoS), an independent certification scheme set up two years earlier to assess the environmental sustainability associated with seafood from fisheries and aquaculture, felt the urgent need to introducing a specific standard for producers of fish oil, fishmeal, fish feed and omega-3 supplements. According to this, accredited third-party certification bodies certify that the oil originates only from fisheries are compliant with Friend of the Sea sustainable fishing requirements, including good fishery management, selective fishing gears and social responsibility, and that a full chain of custody is in place throughout the supply and the production chain.

The fish contained in certified omega 3 products can be traced back to certified fisheries which have been independently assessed to meet Friend of the Sea’s widely recognised standard for sustainable wild fishing. These fisheries are well managed and their impacts on the environment minimized so that seafood supplies are safeguarded for future generations.

The origin of certified fish oil

Today, 439 companies adhere voluntarily to Friend of the Sea standard for fish oil, fishmeal, fish feed and omega-3 supplement, an increase of around 477% compared with 2015 when there were only 76.

“As the leading globally recognised standard program for sustainable seafood, we are enthusiastic about scoring and sharing the positive change in attitude towards environmental sustainability and social accountability occurring also in the nutraceutical sector,” claims Paolo Bray, Founder and Director of Friend of the Sea. “Consumers worldwide can now have wider access to sustainable products on the shelves and we are convinced of an even brighter future for the sector.”

Certified oils originate mostly from approved Peruvian anchovy fisheries and fleet – Engraulis ringens – (29%), Antarctic krill – Euphausia superba – (22%), European sardine – Sardina pilchardus (8%), European anchovy – Engraulis encrasicolus – (7%), Chub mackerel – Scomber japonicus (7%), Atlantic cod – Gadus morhua – (3%). The remaining 24% derives from various species such as salmon, tuna and squid which are equally certified, processed and usually refined and blended.

Read the full release here