Sardine
Vanelli Maroc S.A.
Information
Audit
Fishery description
Information
Species scientific name: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Audit
Fishery description
Basic description of the fleet/fishery
Fishery client: VANELLI MAROC S.A.
Fishing area: FAO 34.1.1
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 34 vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 6/2-151; 8-421; 6/2 -101; 11-187; 11-215; 6-124.
Fishing method: Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name: Sardinella pilchardus;
Common name: Sardine.
Management summary
The National Office of Fisheries (ONP) is a Moroccan public institution that, under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Maritime Fisheries (MADRPM), is assigned with task to undertake strategies for the fisheries sector development. The Department of Marine Fisheries (DPM) controls the vessels in relation at security, people on board, gears and license, while ONP controls unloading, sizes and quantities. The National Institute of fisheries research (Institut National de Recherche Halieutique: INRH) monitors the resources of small pelagics. Since 2015, there is a management plan for small pelagics. The project is planned to last until 2020. The Moroccan fisheries management plan is reviewed annually in agreement with the board of the Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF).
Stock status summary
In the North Atlantic, the stock is considered fully exploited. In the Central Atlantic, the stock is considered not fully exploited, with a biomass evaluated in 2016 above the average of the last five years (0.69 million tonnes). In the South Atlantic, the biomass evaluated in 2016 is 15% lower compared to the level of 2015, but the stock is not considered fully exploited. The minimum legal size of sardine is 13-16 cm.
Bycatch / discards
The fishing method used allows accidental catches to remain alive. A sonar system is in place to locate the schools and avoid non-target species. All vessels are obliged to declare all the catch (quantities and species). Accidental catches are monitored by the ONP and DPM. According to the auditor, the amount of discards is considered negligible. There is a maximum level of 3% of discards allowed.
Habitat Impact
The position of the vessels is monitored by the competent authority through GPS. Fisheries occur outside of Marine Protected Areas, respecting the authorized distance from the shore (3 miles). Purse seine fishing has a negligible impact on the seabed.
Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and labour regulations of Morocco.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
The fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformities.
Damsa S.A.
Information
Audit
Fishery description
Information
Species scientific name: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing methods: Purse seine – Pelagic trawl
Audit
Fishery description
Basic description of the fleet/fishery
Fishery client: DAMSA S.A.
Fishing area: FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 7 vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 10-90; 7/1-109; 8-978; 12-82.
Fishing method: Purse seine, Pelagic trawl.
Certified species: Scientific name: Sardinella pilchardus;
Common name: Sardine.
Management summary
The National Office of Fisheries (ONP) is a Moroccan public institution that, under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Maritime Fisheries (MADRPM), is assigned with task to undertake strategies for the fisheries sector development. The Department of Marine Fisheries (DPM) controls the vessels in relation at security, people on board, gears and license, while ONP controls unloading, sizes and quantities. The National Institute of fisheries research (Institut National de Recherche Halieutique: INRH) monitors the resources of small pelagics. The Moroccan fisheries management plan is reviewed annually in agreement with the board of the Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF).
Stock status summary
The stock under consideration is not overfished. There is a fixed annual quota for each vessel to avoid overfishing. All catches are reported to the DPM. When the quota of the vessel comes over, the DPM informs the vessels manager to stop fishing.
Bycatch / discards
There is a fishing agreement, coordinated by the DPM, in which fishing is limited by species. The vessel manager checks the species caught before loading the net into the boat. If the catch is not in conformity with the species declared in the agreement and with the allowed size, it is launched in the sea. None of the species captured by the company is listed in the IUCN Red List. Discards are declared to the DPM, which limits the level of discard to 2% in weight.
Habitat Impact
The habitat impact is monitored by the DPM. The fishing area and the distance from the shore are indicated in the fishing agreement for each vessel. There is no protecting area in this fishing zone. The DPM check the position of each vessel in the sea by satellite. Both fishing methods have no impact on the seabed.
Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and labour regulations of Morocco.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
Despite of a major non-conformity, the fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, since the company corrected the major non-conformity appointed by the auditor within 3 months of the audit.
Cibel S.A.
Information
Audit
Fishery description
Information
Species scientific name: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing methods: Purse seine – Pelagic trawl
Audit
Fishery description
Basic description of the fleet/fishery
Fishery client: C.I.B.E.L. S.A.
Fishing area: FAO 34, ZONE A, B and C.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 26 vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 11-201, 7/1-109, 12-84, 3/3-180, 8-01010, 7-667, 7-744, 11-257.
Fishing method: Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl.
Certified species: Scientific name: Sardina pilchardus;
Common name: Sardine.
Management summary
The National Office of Fisheries (ONP) is a Moroccan public institution that, under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Maritime Fisheries (MADRPM), is assigned with task to undertake strategies for the fisheries sector development. The Department of Marine Fisheries (DPM) controls the vessels in relation at security, people on board, gears and license, while ONP controls unloading, sizes and quantities. The National Institute of fisheries research (Institut National de Recherche Halieutique: INRH) monitors the resources of small pelagics. The Moroccan fisheries management plan is reviewed annually in agreement with the board of the Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF), with the comprehensive coastal zone strategies that are shared in zone A B and C and with its different management plans.
Stock status summary
According to INRH and CECAF, in the zones A and B, there was an increase in the stock biomass from 2014-2015 to 2016 and the stock is not overfished. Even so, the instability of the resource led to the adoption of a precautionary approach by limiting the catch. In the zone C, there is a low level of fishing mortality, indicating that the stock is not fully exploited. The minimum size established for capture is 35 pieces per kg.
Bycatch / discards
Fishermen are obliged to land all the catch and the ONP registers the landings. The audited fleet uses a sonar system to locate schools. Accidental catches species are other pelagic species not included in the IUCN Red List. Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) fishing vessels are obliged to fill out the logbook with all catches and forward the catch declared as rejected to fishmeal production.
Habitat Impact
Fishing is done with purse seiners and pelagic trawlers. Both methods have no impact on the seabed. Fisheries occur 8 to 10 miles from the shore, outside of Marine Protected Areas.
Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and labour regulations of Morocco.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
The fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformities.
Yashaswi Fish Meal and Oil Company
Information
Audit
Fishery description
Information
Species scientific name: Sardina longiceps
FAO area: 51.4
Fishing method: Purse seine
Audit
Fishery description
Basic description of the fleet/fishery
Fishery client: YASHASWI FISH MEAL AND OIL COMPANY, India.
Fishing area: FAO 51.4, Indian Ocean, Western.
Fishing vessels: Vessels audited onsite: IND-KA-02-MM-759; 3074; 79; 1027; 332; 1039; 1104; 42; 3031; 313; 580; -512; 181; 4362.
Fishing method: Trawl and Purse seine.
Certified species: scientifc name / common name
Sardinella longiceps / Indian oil sardine.
Management summary
The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is the largest marine fisheries research institute in India. The CMFRI works under the Indian Government and it is responsible for the stock assessment, monitoring of by-catch and discards and development of fisheries management plan along with Fishery Survey of India (FSI) and Central Institute of Fishery Technology (CIFT). CMFRI has taken measures to ensure sustainable yields by rolling out various management advisories to maintain healthy stock status.
Stock status summary
The species is classified in the IUCN Red list as least concern. CMFRI has confirmed, during a stakeholder meeting, that a recent study shows good stock pattern for oil sardine. However, official report is yet to be released. The stock under consideration is not overfished; it is declining, but classified as least concern. According to CMFRI, measures are taken to ensure sustainable yields by rolling out various management advisories to maintain healthy stock status.
Bycatch / discards
The organisation does not keep systematic records about the effects on endangered species, target catches and discards. This was pointed out as a major non-conformity.
Habitat Impact
Several management advisory measures are in place, including the prohibition of bull trawling/bottom trawl and light fishing in purse seine. Nonetheless, during the Vessel audit, presence of certain species indicates the occurrence of bull trawl/bottom trawl and light fishing in purse seine. Few vessels in this region seems to follow these management advisory measures, however, the organisation needs strict monitoring on the same. This was pointed out as a major non-conformity.
Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and Indian regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
The unit of certification had 13 major and 2 minor non-conformities. Corrective actions were presented in due time and accepted by the auditor. Thus, after the proof of all corrections, the unit of certification complied with Friend of the Sea requirements.
Andrexport SARL
Information
Audit
Fishery description
Information
Species scientific name: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Audit
Fishery description
Morocco – Purse seine – Sardina pilchardus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: ANDREXPORT sarl.
Fishing area: FAO 34, Morocco Coastal (Division 34.1.1), Zones A and B.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of ___ vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 7-756; 11-72; 5-22; 6/1-227.
Fishing method: Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name: Sardina pilchardus;
Common name: Sardine.
Management summary
The National Office of Fisheries (ONP) is a Moroccan public institution that, under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Marine Fisheries (MADRPM), is assigned with task to undertake the governmental strategy for the development and the promotion of the competitiveness of the Moroccan fisheries sector. The Department of Maritime Fisheries (DPM) controls the vessels in relation at security, people on board, gears and license, while ONP controls unloading, sizes and quantities. The royal navy patrols the national waters to avoid illegal fishing.
Stock status summary
The National Research Institute for Fisheries (INRH) and the Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) provide information on the stock status of the species. In zones A and B, the results are not conclusive due to large fluctuations in biomass and uncertainties in fishing effort. Nevertheless, the biomass and abundance indices estimated by the acoustic method over the last four years have shown an upward trend since 2008, with a peak in 2013. This gradual recovery of the stock would be linked to improved environmental conditions.
Bycatch / discards
The fleet uses echo-sonar and is controlled by Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). These measures contribute to the reduction of accidental catches, which are other small pelagic fish like mackerel (Scomber japonicus). Level of discard allowed is less than 5%. If accidental catches occurs, fishermen don’t close the seine leaving animals free.
Habitat Impact
There is no fishing in Marine Protected Areas, since vessels and fishing zones are controlled by the ONP. The fishery occurs 10 miles from the shore respecting a minimum catch size of 45 pieces per kg in zone A and B. All the vessels are fishing with purse seine, which have no effect on the seabed.
Social Accountability performance
The fishery complies with the human rights and Moroccan labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
Despite of a minor non-conformity (failures related to the use of logbook), the fleet complied with Friend of the Sea requirements. The procedure of non-conformity was closed when the company sent documents showing that the irregularity pointed out by the auditor was being corrected.
Atlantic Sardine Anchovies Tan Tan (ASAT)
Information
Audit
Information
Species scientific name: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Audit
Cibel S.A.
Information
Audit
Fishery description
Information
Species scientific name: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Audit
Fishery description
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Sardina pilchardus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: CIBEL.
Fishing area: FAO 34, Eastern Central Atlantic Waters; Zones A, B, and C.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of ____ vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 12-80; 11-269; 11-287; 6/2-118; 11-195.
Fishing method: Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name: Sardina pilchardus;
Common name: Sardine.
Management summary
The National Office of Fisheries (ONP) is a Moroccan public institution that, under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Maritime Fisheries (MADRPM), is assigned with task to undertake strategies for the fisheries sector development. The Department of Marine Fisheries (DPM) controls the vessels in relation at security, people on board, gears and license, while ONP controls unloading, sizes and quantities. Morocco developed a strategic plan for small pelagic stocks in order to guarantee the sustainable exploitation of this resource. This development plan, launched in February 2010, has introduced management measures to governing the permitted fishing areas, allowable species and accessories, operating procedures by different fleets and tracking documents and monitoring catches. The royal navy patrols the national waters to avoid illegal fishing.
Stock status summary
The National Research Institute for Fisheries (INRH) and the Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) assess the stock status of the species. In zones A and B, CECAF recommends that the catch should not exceed 400,000 tonnes. In Zone C, sardine is not overfished.
Bycatch / discards
The fisheries for small pelagic generally have low discard rates because the schools tend to be monospecific and the fish tend to be of a similar size. The audited fleet uses a sonar system to locate schools and, with the purse seine, false catches species are other pelagic species. Bycatch is regulated by local law, annexed to the license provided to vessels, and established at 3% of total catches. The fleet is keeping daily records and no accidental catches are included on the IUCN Red list.
Habitat Impact
There is no fishing in Marine Protected Areas, which are evident in the steering systems. In zones A and B, fishing is done with purse seiners. In zone C, it is done with pelagic trawlers and seiners. Both methods have no impact on the seabed, spawning and nursery grounds. Fisheries occur 10 to 15 miles from the shore.
Social Accountability performance
The fishery complies with the human rights and Moroccan labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
Despite of one major and two minor non-conformities (failures related to the use of logbook, wastewater analysis, hearing protectors, among others), the fleet complied with Friend of the Sea requirements. The procedure of non-conformity was closed when the company sent documents showing that the irregularities pointed out by the auditor were being corrected.
Damsa
Information
Audit
Fishery description
Information
Species scientific name: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Pelagic trawl
Audit
Fishery description
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Sardina pilchardus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: Damsa.
Fishing area: FAO 34, Eastern Central Atlantic Waters; Zones A, B, and C.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 51 vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 8-976; 12—76; 11-281; 6/2—205; 11-195.
Fishing method: Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name: Sardina pilchardus;
Common name: Sardine.
Management summary
The National Office of Fisheries (ONP) is a Moroccan public institution that, under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Maritime Fisheries (MADRPM), is assigned with task to undertake strategies for the fisheries sector development. The Department of Marine Fisheries (DPM) controls the vessels in relation at security, people on board, gears and license, while ONP controls unloading, sizes and quantities. Morocco developed a strategic plan for small pelagic stocks in order to guarantee the sustainable exploitation of this resource. This development plan, launched in February 2010, has introduced management measures to governing the permitted fishing areas, allowable species and accessories, operating procedures by different fleets and tracking documents and monitoring catches. The royal navy patrols the national waters to avoid illegal fishing.
Stock status summary
The National Research Institute for Fisheries (INRH) and the Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) provide information on the stock status of the species. In zones A and B, the results are not conclusive due to large fluctuations in biomass and uncertainties in fishing effort. Nevertheless, the biomass and abundance indices estimated by the acoustic method over the last four years have shown an upward trend since 2008, with a peak in 2013. CECAF recommends that the catch should not exceed 400,000 tonnes. In Zone C, sardine is not overfished.
Bycatch / discards
The audited fleet uses a sonar system to locate schools and, with the purse seine, false catches species are other pelagic species. Local law regulates bycatch at 3% of total catches. The fleet is keeping daily records and no accidental catches are included on the IUCN Red list.
Habitat Impact
Fisheries occur 10 to 15 miles from the shore, outside the Marine Protected Areas. In zones A and B, fishing is done with purse seiners. In zone C, it is done with pelagic trawlers and seiners. Both methods have no impact on the seabed, spawning and nursery grounds.
Social Accountability performance
The fishery complies with the human rights and Moroccan labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
Despite of two major and three minor non-conformities (failures related to the use of logbook, temperature level, wastewater analysis, among others), the fleet complied with Friend of the Sea requirements. The procedure of non-conformity was closed when the company sent documents showing that the irregularities pointed out by the auditor were being corrected.
Group King Pelagique
Information
Audit
Fishery description
Information
Species scientific name: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Pelagic trawl
Audit
Fishery description
Morocco – Pelagic Trawl – Sardina pilchardus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: BENIS PECHE, GROUP KING PELAGIQUE.
Website: www.kingpelagique.com/index_en.php
Fishing area: FAO 34, Eastern Central Atlantic Waters.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 3 vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 8-975; 8-966.
Fishing method: Pelagic Trawl.
Certified species: Scientific name: Sardina pilchardus;
Common name: Sardine.
Management summary
The National Office of Fisheries (ONP) is a Moroccan public institution that, under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Marine Fisheries (MADRPM), is assigned with task to undertake the governmental strategy for the development and the promotion of the competitiveness of the Moroccan fisheries sector. The Department of Maritime Fisheries (DPM) controls the vessels in relation at security, people on board, gears and license, while ONP controls unloading, sizes and quantities. The royal navy patrols the national waters to avoid illegal fishing.
Stock status summary
The stock assessment is performed by the National Research Institute for Fisheries (INRH) and by the Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF). Results indicate that stocks of Sardine are non-fully exploited. Thus, it is considered not overfished. A quota of 20,000 tonnes is given for each vessel per year.
Bycatch / discards
A management of procedures for the Red list species (PR-004-A) is used as instruction for prohibited species. A trained agent is always on the board to control the fishing species before pumping them into the vessel. The current regulation establishes the level of discard by up to 2%. All bycatch information is sent to the respective authority.
Habitat Impact
In compliance with the Regulation PR-003-B, there is no fishing in Marine Protected Areas, as reported on the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) of all vessels. Fishing is done according to a pelagic procedure (PR-001 / A), which allows fish to be caught without contact with the seabed. Fisheries occur 8 miles from the shore.
Social Accountability performance
The fishery complies with the human rights and Moroccan labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
The fishery complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformity.
International Canning Company (ICC)
Information
Audit
Fishery description
Information
Species scientific name: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Audit
Fishery description
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Sardina pilchardus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: International canning company (ICC).
Fishing area: FAO 34, Eastern Central Atlantic Waters; Zones A, B, and C.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 17 vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 7-787; 6/2-172; 8-738; 8-1044; 10-66.
Fishing method: Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl.
Certified species: Scientific name: Sardina pilchardus;
Common name: Sardine.
Management summary
The National Office of Fisheries (ONP) is a Moroccan public institution that, under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Maritime Fisheries (MADRPM), is assigned with task to undertake strategies for the fisheries sector development. The Department of Marine Fisheries (DPM) controls the vessels in relation at security, people on board, gears and license, while ONP controls unloading, sizes and quantities. Morocco developed a strategic plan for small pelagic stocks in order to guarantee the sustainable exploitation of this resource. This development plan, launched in February 2010, has introduced management measures to governing the permitted fishing areas, allowable species and accessories, operating procedures by different fleets and tracking documents and monitoring catches. The royal navy patrols the national waters to avoid illegal fishing.
Stock status summary
The stock assessment is performed by the National Research Institute for Fisheries (INRH) and by the Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF). In zone C, results indicate that stock of sardine is not fully exploited and overfished. On the other hand, in zones A and B, CECAF 2015 Committee recommends the adoption of a precautionary approach setting a catch limit of around 550,000 tonnes.
Bycatch / discards
All information related to bycatch are recorded at the unloading by ONP and DPM. There are no reports of bycatch of endangered and threatened species. The fishing gears are very selective and, if a large predator is arriving in the net, the seine is not closed and the animal is released alive to the sea. Level of discard is very low and, according to the law, it must not be over 3% of total catch.
Habitat Impact
There is no fishing in Marine Protected Areas, as reported on the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) of all vessels. All the vessels are monitored by the central control of Rabat. The fishery occurs from 3 to 6 miles from the shore with selective gears (mesh size 30 mm, 140 m of height, and 1000 m of length). All the vessels are fishing with purse seine and pelagic trawler. The two gears have no effect on the seabed.
Social Accountability performance
The fishery complies with the human rights and Moroccan labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
The fishery complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformity.
Merveilles des Mers
Information
Audit
Fishery description
Information
Species scientific name: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Audit
Fishery description
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Sardina pilchardus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: MERVEILLES DES MERS.
Website: www.merveillesdesmers.com
Fishing area: FAO 34, Eastern Central Atlantic Waters; Zones A, B, and C.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 52 vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 7/1-212; 6/1-205; 11-257; 2-188; 8-743; 7-880.
Fishing method: Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl.
Certified species: Scientific name: Sardina pilchardus;
Common name: Sardine.
Management summary
The National Office of Fisheries (ONP) is a Moroccan public institution that, under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Marine Fisheries (MADRPM), is assigned with task to undertake the governmental strategy for the development and the promotion of the competitiveness of the Moroccan fisheries sector. The Department of Maritime Fisheries (DPM) controls the vessels in relation at security, people on board, gears and license, while ONP controls unloading, sizes and quantities. The royal navy patrols the national waters to avoid illegal fishing.
Stock status summary
The stock assessment is performed by the National Research Institute for Fisheries (INRH) and by the Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF). Results indicate that the stock of sardine is overfished in zones A and B, but not in zone C. The government is performing a plan with actions to follow and control of the stocks in overfished areas and the company is respecting all the requirements. It is recommended that the catch does not exceed 400 thousand tons.
Bycatch / discards
The fisheries for small pelagic generally have low discard rates because the schools tend to be monospecific and the fish tend to be of a similar size. With the purse seine, false catches species are other pelagic species. Bycatch is regulated by local law and must be bellow 3% of total catches. The fleet is keeping daily records and no accidental catches are included in the IUCN Red list.
Habitat Impact
The fishery occurs only in regulated areas 10-15 miles from the shore. Monitoring and control of fisheries by ONP confirm that the fleet does not operate in Marine Protected Areas. In addition, the fleet is monitored by MADRPM by officers, scientists and observers of the GPS system. The nets almost never touch the bottom of the ocean. Thus, both fishing methods have negligible impact on the seabed, spawning and nursery grounds.
Social Accountability performance
The fishery complies with the human rights and Moroccan labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
Despite of major and minor non-conformities (concerns related to fish stocks and the need for infrastructure improvements), the fleet complied with Friend of the Sea requirements. The procedure of non-conformity was closed when the company sent documents showing that the irregularities pointed out by the auditor were being corrected.
Oceamic Laayoune II
Information
Audit
Fishery description
Information
Species scientific name: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Audit
Fishery description
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Sardina pilchardus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: OCEAMIC LAAYOUNE II.
Website: www.sarmafood.com
Fishing area: FAO 34, Eastern Central Atlantic Waters; Zones A, B and C.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 24 vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 8 – 981; 11-275; 11-218; 6/2-138; 6-958.
Fishing method: Purse Seine, Pelagic Trawl.
Certified species: Scientific name: Sardina pilchardus;
Common name: Sardine.
Management summary
The National Office of Fisheries (ONP) is a Moroccan public institution that, under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Marine Fisheries (MADRPM), is assigned with task to undertake the governmental strategy for the development and the promotion of the competitiveness of the Moroccan fisheries sector. The Department of Maritime Fisheries (DPM) controls the vessels in relation at security, people on board, gears and license, while ONP controls unloading, sizes and quantities. The royal navy patrols the national waters to avoid illegal fishing.
Stock status summary
The stock assessment is performed by the National Research Institute for Fisheries (INRH) and by the Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF). In zones A and B, the results are not conclusive due to large fluctuations in biomass and uncertainties in fishing effort. Nevertheless, the biomass and abundance indices estimated by the acoustic method over the last four years have shown an upward trend. It is recommended that the catch does not exceed 400 thousand tonnes.
Bycatch / discards
Low discard rates are recorded because the schools tend to be monospecific and the fish tend to be of a similar size. The fleet uses a sonar system to locate schools and, with the purse seine, false catches species are other pelagic species. Bycatch is regulated by local law and is established at 3% of total catches. Fleet records show that there are no species included in the IUCN Red list.
Habitat Impact
There is no fishing in Marine Protected Areas, which are clearly apparent on the vessels steering systems and followed by GPS system installed within the fleet. The fishery occurs 10‒15 miles from the shore respecting a minimum catch size of 20 pieces per kg. In zones A and B, fishing is done with purse seiners. In Zone C, fishing is done with pelagic trawlers (RSW and freezer) and seiners. Both fishing methods have negligible impact on the seabed.
Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and Moroccan labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
Despite of minor non-conformities (failures related to water analysis, labour bonus, the need for infrastructure improvements, among others), the fleet complied with Friend of the Sea requirements. The procedure of non-conformity was closed when the company sent documents showing that the irregularities pointed out by the auditor were being corrected.
Unimer S.A.
Information
Audit
Fishery description
Information
Species scientific name: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Audit
Fishery description
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Sardina pilchardus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: Consernor CAN3, Group Unimer.
Website: www.wabel.com/c/unimergroup
Fishing area: FAO 34, Eastern Central Atlantic Waters; Zones A, B and C.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of ___ vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 11-169; 8-421; 11-127; 8-01026; 8-01013; 7-789; 7-4; 7-853; 7-682.
Fishing method: Purse Seine, Pelagic Trawl.
Certified species: Scientific name: Sardina pilchardus;
Common name: Sardine.
Management summary
The National Office of Fisheries (ONP) is a Moroccan public institution that, under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Marine Fisheries (MADRPM), is assigned with task to undertake the governmental strategy for the development and the promotion of the competitiveness of the Moroccan fisheries sector. The Department of Maritime Fisheries (DPM) controls the vessels in relation at security, people on board, gears and license, while ONP controls unloading, sizes and quantities. The royal navy patrols the national waters to avoid illegal fishing.
Stock status summary
The Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) is performing assessments every year on small pelagics in Moroccan waters. CECAF studies of 2015 indicate that sardine stocks do not result fully exploited. In zones A and B, there is a minimum catch size of 45 pieces per kg. In zone C, it is 40 pieces per kg.
Bycatch / discards
Bycatches from pelagic trawler are recorded in the logbook and the limits are stated in the fishing license. Large predators are identified by the echo-sonar. The level of discards does not exceed 8% of the total catch. On the other hand, purse seine fishery has no bycatch. Dolphins can enter the school before closing the net, but when it happens, they have to keep the net open by letting the dolphin live. In addition, if bycatch occurs, ONP officers will record all information at unloading.
Habitat Impact
The fishery occurs only in regulated areas (6, 10, and 8 miles from the shore, respectively, in zones A, B, and C) and complies with the regulation of Marine Protected Areas, as reported on the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) of all vessels. The fishing gears used for mackerel are seiner and pelagic trawler, not affecting the seabed.
Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and Moroccan labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
The fishery complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformity.
Union des Pecheries Africaines (UPA)
Information
Audit
Fishery description
Information
Species scientific name: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Audit
Fishery description