What does Friend of the Sea label mean for sustainability
Certification of Products
from Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
Friend of the Sea (FOS) works globally with fisheries, seafood companies, scientists, conservation groups and the public to promote the best environmental choice in seafood.
- A high level of social accountability is required, including a ban on child labour or forced labour and standards for worker’s health and safety.
- FOS Chain of Custody standard is designed to ensure that certified seafood can be traced back to a sustainable and well managed source.
- DNA tests are carried out on a sample basis on certified products to monitor traceability.
- FOS certification requirements have been recognised as a top performer by several international benchmark studies.
- The European Commission lists FOS among the main certification ecolabels for sustainable seafood in the report How do you choose your fish?
- FOS is the only seafood certification programme to have gained accreditation from a member of the network of EU national accreditation bodies, Accredia.
- Stakeholders are an important part of the FOS project, ensuring diversity of opinion, perspective and approach is integral in the programme.
Friend of the Sea Criteria
Sustainable products and their origins are audited onsite by independent certification bodies against Friend of the Sea criteria.
WILD-CAUGHT PRODUCTS
Target stock not overexploited
Maximum 8% discard of bycatch
No bycatch of endangered species
No impact on seabed
Compliance with regulation (TAC, NO IUU, etc)
Social Accountability
Yearly Carbon Footprint reduction
FARMED PRODUCTS
No impact on critical habitat (mangroves, wetlands, etc)
Escapes and bycatch reduction
Compliance of water quality parameters
No GMO, no growth hormones
Social Accountability
Yearly Carbon Footprint reduction
