RESPONSIBLE FISHING
Ensuring responsible fishing and fishery management

The consumption of seafood throughout the world is rising with over 75% of fish species caught being fully or over-exploited (according to a report by the FAO, Food and Agricultural Organization, in 2005). The demand for fish meal and fish oil is equally increasing the pressure on marine resources while fish farming is developing and intensifying to the detriment of ecosystems and the environment. In this context, the FAO has defined two measures: the code of conduct for responsible fishing and fish farming (1995), and the FAO guidelines for Ecolabeling of fish and fishery products from Marine capture fisheries (COFI 2005). The objective is to differentiate seafood products which come from responsible food chain. To meet the demands of consumers and retailers today, suppliers now have to prove not only the quality and safety of their products, but also that they respect the environment, invest in sustainable management of fishing resources and respect the social laws and security for crew in their industry.

What is responsible fishing?
Responsible fishing aims at ensuring responsible fishing practices. Bureau Veritas proposes several responsible fishing processes adapted to the needs of its clients.
These solutions are centered around six areas of responsibility:
- Marine resources: improving selectivity and stock control, reducing waste of by-catch, maintaining the ecosystem
- Environment: saving energy, limiting pollution, sea spillages and loss of gear.
- Food safety: ensuring seafood product safety in board and in the seafood chain.
- Crew: improving workplace safety and well-being, increasing awareness of social regulations.
- Quality: guaranteeing product and process quality, and traceability/origin for clear responsibility at each step.
- Local development and equitable share.

What are the key benefits?
- Increasing consumer confidence
- Ensuring better access to your markets through strong differentiation
- Increasing employee loyalty
- Protecting marine resources
- Improving your brand image