Initial Audit Report

Recertification audit report

Surveillance audit report

Corrective Actions

Engraulis encrasicolus – Purse seine – FAO 34

Species: Engraulis encrasicolus
Gear type: Purse seine
Fishing Area: FAO Area 34.1. Atlantic Eastern Central

Fishery management: The Institut National de Recherche Halieutique (INRH) is the scientific institute in charge of assessing the stocks of small pelagics in Morocco (http://www.inrh.ma/petits-pelagiques).

The Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) keeps under review the state of the fishery resources within its area of competence and establishes the scientific basis for regulatory measures leading to the conservation and management of marine fishery resources.

The strategic plan developed by Morocco for small pelagic stocks guarantees sustainable exploitation of this resource. Launched in February 2010, the plan has introduced management measures to manage permitted fishing areas, species and gears, operating procedures for the different fleets and measures to monitor catches.

Stock Status: According to the INRH (2012), the European anchovy stock in FAO area 34.1 is estimated to be fully exploited (http://www.inrh.ma/fr/petits-pelagiques/diagnostic-de-letat-dexploitation-des-stocks).

According to the latest CECAF report of the Scientific Sub-Committee (2015), the E. encrasicolus stock in the North Fishery is overexploited and the biomass level is unknown.

Habitat impact: This fishery uses purse seines, which do not interact with the seabed and hence have no negative impact.

Discards: The local law sets the discard limit to 2%. Moroccan authorities control and weight each landing.

Initial Audit Report

Recertification audit report

Surveillance

Recertification audit report

Peru – Engraulis ringens – Purse seine – FAO 87

Species: Engraulis ringens

Gear type: Purse seine

Fishing Area: FAO Area 87 Pacific Southeast

Stock Status: The Peruvian Sea Institute (Instituto del Mar del Perù – IMARPE) is the scientific institute in charge of assessing the stocks and setting fishing quotas of small pelagics. IMARPE issues recommendations based on scientific data, that are implemented by the Ministry of Production to garantee the control and conservation of the stocks of anchovies.
The latest stock assessment, carried out between May and July 2016, reported a value of anchoveta biomass 14% higher than the average value estimated by observations collected between 1994 and 2015.

Discards: The Peruvian Law sets the discard limit to 5% for all anchovies fleets.

Initial Audit Report

Surveillance

Recertification audit

Corpesca S.A.

Fishery client

Corpesca S.A., Chile

Fishing area

FAO  87

Fishing vessels

Vessels sampled during the audit: Corpesca 2, Intrepido, Relampago, Trueno I, Elva S, Petrohue I, Catalina Q, Olguita I

Fishing method

Purse seine.

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Engraulis ringens / Peruvian anchovy (anchoveta)

Trachurus murphyi  / Chilean jack mackerel

Management summary

Both fisheries are managed under Chile’s General Fisheries and Aquaculture Law (LGPA, Law No. 18.892 of 1989) by SUBPESCA, with monitoring, control, and enforcement by Sernapesca. Management relies on annual catch quotas, reproductive and recruitment closures, minimum landing sizes (26 cm fork length for jack mackerel), gear rules, and the Artisanal Fishing Reserve Area (ARPA). Annual stock assessments by IFOP and SUBPESCA set MSY-based reference points within a precautionary approach.

Jack mackerel is also managed internationally by SPRFMO (CMM 01-2026). Chile’s quota derives from the SPRFMO TAC, revised to 1,105,464 t for 2026. Anchovy is a shared stock with Peru; IFOP and IMARPE meet yearly to exchange data and research.

Compliance is ensured through VMS, the electronic logbook system (SIBE), landing inspections and on-board cameras accessible to Sernapesca. Corpesca’s catches are reconciled against its company quota (2025 allocation: 113,770.8 t anchovy). The jack mackerel fishery has a dedicated management plan (Resolution No. 4344).

Stock status summary

Both stocks are neither overfished nor subject to overfishing, according to the reference values

Engraulis ringens F/FMSY 0.66 B/BMSY 1.63, Trachurus murphyi F/FMSY 0.40, B/BMSY 2.29

The 2025 SPRFMO/IMARPE annual report on jack mackerel gives F = 0.19, below FMSY, with total and spawning biomass above MSY levels. Stock status is published yearly in SUBPESCA’s “Status of the Main Chilean Fisheries” (2025 edition, March 2026).

Bycatch/discards

Discards are prohibited by Chilean law, so all catch is landed and recorded in official Sernapesca landing declarations. The main bycatch species in the jack mackerel fishery is Pacific chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus), not listed as Vulnerable or higher by IUCN. Example: landing declaration No. 482440 (Trueno I, 18–21 August 2026) records 103.6 t of jack mackerel and 27.5 t of chub mackerel.

Corpesca applies an industry Good Fishing Practices Manual with release procedures for sea lions, dolphins, seabirds and turtles: a bird net, boards for sea lions and a rubber stretcher for dolphins. Animals are released before pumping; interactions are logged and recorded by on-board cameras. Observers were present on Intrepido and Corpesca 2, and the manual prohibits shark finning.

Habitat impact

Impact on the seabed, essential habitats, and vulnerable marine ecosystems is negligible: the purse seine operates in the water column with no intentional contact with the seabed. Fishing complies with Marine Protected Area regulations, verified through VMS monitoring by Sernapesca and against MPAtlas. Fishing zones are recorded in all official landing documents.

No gear loss has been recorded in the fleet. Nets are reinforced, routinely tested, and repaired at Corpesca’s net maintenance area; end-of-life nets are sold to artisanal fishers for reuse. Lost gear would be positioned, reported to the authority, and recovered where possible.

Social accountability performance

Corpesca complies with all FOS social accountability requirements; the audit found no major or minor non-conformities. The company employs 586 people (Santiago 36, Arica 153, Iquique 252, Mejillones 145).

Child and forced labour: Chile has ratified the relevant ILO conventions. Crew lists with dates of birth confirm no minors on board; the Code of Ethics and signed declarations exclude forced labour.

Wages: pay slips for crew of the four company vessels (August 2026) show salaries well above the 2026 Chilean minimum wage of CLP 539,000/month.

Health and safety: all staff are covered through ACHS affiliation. An occupational health and safety system (SGSSO), crew training, PPE, H₂S monitoring, and accident records are in place.

Freedom of association and non-discrimination: workers may join unions and bargain collectively under Law 19.069; the Code of Ethics prohibits discrimination.

Rights on board: crew have cabins, a kitchen, a rest area, toilets, showers, and bottled drinking water.

Initial Audit Report

Surveillance Audit Report

Peru – Engraulis ringens – Purse seine – FAO 87

Species: Engraulis ringens

Gear type: Purse seine

Fishing Area: FAO Area 87 Pacific Southeast

Stock Status: The Peruvian Sea Institute (Instituto del Mar del Perù – IMARPE) is the scientific institute in charge of assessing the stocks and setting fishing quotas of small pelagics. IMARPE issues recommendations based on scientific data, that are implemented by the Ministry of Production to garantee the control and conservation of the stocks of anchovies.
The latest stock assessment, carried out between May and July 2016, reported a value of anchoveta biomass 14% higher than the average value estimated by observations collected between 1994 and 2015.

Discards: The Peruvian Law sets the discard limit to 5% for all anchovies fleets.

Initial Audit Report

Surveillance audit report

Engraulis encrasicolus – Purse seine – FAO 37 (GSA 29, Black Sea)

Species: Engraulis encrasicolus

Gear type: Purse seine

Fishing Area: FAO 37, Subarea 4.2 Black Sea (GSA 29)

Fishery management: The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is the regional fishery management organisation in charge of the assessment of the size and state of European anchovy stocks in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea (FAO 37). The fisheries operations in Turkey are regulated by the Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock.

Stock Status: There are uncertainties about the stock status of Engraulis encrasicolus in the Black Sea due to high seasonal variation and the short lifespan of the species. Despite the assessment uncertainties, a noticeable increase in the recruitment is evident in the last years (2012-2013).

Moreover, the general trend in the last ten years indicates a slight decrease in the fishing mortality. This is the consequence of the effort regulation measures recently enforced by Turkey, namely restriction the anchovy fishery to night hours only (16:00 to 08:00) since 2007, setting a depth limit (0-24m) for purse seining, and by the buyback program launched in 2012.

Discard and bycatch: The use of purse seine ensures low levels of discard and bycatch. Mesh and net size are regulated by the local institution and they play an important role in the discard management.

References:

Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock http://www.tarim.gov.tr/

GFCM http://www.fao.org/gfcm/activities/fisheries/stock-assessment/en/

Initial Audit Report

Basic description of the fleet/fishery

Fishery client: DELICIUS Rizoli Spa.

  Fishing area: FAO 37.VIII.C

  Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 15 vessels.

Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 27743 ss-3; IMO 9255309; 191113; 268395; SS-3-2-02.

Fishing method: Purse seine.

  Certified species: Scientific name: Engraulis encrasicolus;

                                Common name: Anchovy.

Management summary

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAMA) is assigned with task to undertake strategies for the fisheries sector development. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is a global organization that develops science and advice to support the sustainable use of the oceans. In 2017, a catch limit of 33,000 tonnes was established.

Stock status summary

According to the ICES advice on fishing opportunities, the spawning-stock biomass (SSB) of anchovy in subarea 8 has been above the limit reference point since 2010. Recruitment and SSB have been well above the historical average in recent years. The incoming recruitment in 2017 is above average. Harvest rates since the reopening of the fishery in 2010 have been below average.

Bycatch / discards

According to the ICES advice on fishing opportunities, discarding is considered to be negligible. According to the auditor, the fleet keeps records of accidental catches without records of species listed in the IUCN Red list. In the correction plan for the NCs detected, the company has established a procedure to reduce accidental catches.

Habitat Impact 

The vessels operate with GPS in order to avoid marine protected areas. The fishing method has no impact on the seabed. According to the auditor, the on-board staff is well formed and has a strong awareness of the potential risks and impacts. In the correction plan for the NCs detected, the absence of procedures were corrected.

Social Accountability performance

The fleet complies with the human rights and labour regulations of Spain.

Conclusion with reasons for approval

Despite of several major non-conformities, the fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, since the company corrected all of the non-conformities appointed by the auditor within 3 months of the audit.

Friend of the Sea – C.so Buenos Aires 45, 20124 Milan Italy – HQ +39 0287075166 – Italy +39 3485650306 – Skype: friend.of.the.sea –

Initial Audit Report

Recertification Audit Report

Basic description of the fleet/fishery

Fishery client: DELIMAR S.A.

Fishing area: FAO 34.1.1

Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 27 vessels.

Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 11-221; 10-112; 6/1 234; 7/1 165; 6/1 124; 8-977.

Fishing method: Purse seine.

Certified species: Scientific name: Engraulis encrasicolus;

Common name: Anchovy.

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

According to INRH, in the Central Atlantic, the biomass of 2016 is below the average of the last 5 years (0.073 thousand tonnes) and the stock is considered fully exploited, with fishing mortality close to the maximum sustainable yield (MSY). In South Atlantic, the estimated biomass is currently 15% higher than in 2015 and the stock is considered fully exploited. The minimum legal size of anchovy is 60–63 mm.

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), under the supervision of the agents of the ONP. The reported accidental catch species are not included in the IUCN Red List. The Moroccan authority allows an amount of 3% of bycatch, except for Boops boops that has an allowed rate set at 10%.

Habitat Impact

All vessels are monitored in real time by the competent authority through the vessel monitoring system (VMS). Fisheries occur outside of Marine Protected Areas, respecting the authorized distance from the shore (3 miles). Purse seine fishing has 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

The fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformities.
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Extension audit report

Recertification audit report

Engraulis encrasicolus – Purse seine – FAO 34

Species: Engraulis encrasicolus
Gear type: Purse seine
Fishing Area: FAO Area 34.1. Atlantic Eastern Central

Fishery management: The Institut National de Recherche Halieutique (INRH) is the scientific institute in charge of assessing the stocks of small pelagics in Morocco (http://www.inrh.ma/petits-pelagiques).

The Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) keeps under review the state of the fishery resources within its area of competence and establishes the scientific basis for regulatory measures leading to the conservation and management of marine fishery resources.

The strategic plan developed by Morocco for small pelagic stocks guarantees sustainable exploitation of this resource. Launched in February 2010, the plan has introduced management measures to manage permitted fishing areas, species and gears, operating procedures for the different fleets and measures to monitor catches.

Habitat impact: This fishery uses purse seines, which do not interact with the seabed and hence have no negative impact.

Discards: The local law sets the discard limit to 2%. Moroccan authorities control and weight each landing.

Initial Audit Report

Recertification audit report

Peru – Engraulis ringens – Purse seine – FAO 87

Species: Engraulis ringens

Gear type: Purse seine

Fishing Area: FAO Area 87 Pacific Southeast

Stock Status: The Peruvian Sea Institute (Instituto del Mar del Perù – IMARPE) is the scientific institute in charge of assessing the stocks and setting fishing quotas of small pelagics. IMARPE issues recommendations based on scientific data, that are implemented by the Ministry of Production to garantee the control and conservation of the stocks of anchovies.
The latest stock assessment, carried out between May and July 2016, reported a value of anchoveta biomass 14% higher than the average value estimated by observations collected between 1994 and 2015.

Discards: The Peruvian Law sets the discard limit to 5% for all anchovies fleets.

Initial Audit Report (Italian Fleet)

Initial Audit Report (Croatian Fleet)

Engraulis encrasicolus – Purse seine – FAO 37 (2.1, Adriatic Sea)

Species: Engraulis encrasicolus

Gear type: Purse seine

Fishing Area: FAO 37, Subarea 2.1 Adriatic Sea (GSA 17,18)

Fishery management:

The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is the regional fishery management organisation in charge of the assessment of the size and state of European anchovy stocks in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea (FAO 37). GFCM is in charge also of ensuring the sustainability of fisheries activities through the adoption of adequate management measures.

The Italian authority responsible for the supervision and management of fisheries is the General Fisheries directorate-general of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Stock Status

The most recent stock assessment results were published in 2016, and refer to data collected in 2015.

The average fishing mortality increased constantly up to 2011, when reached the maximum value of 1.006. It started to decrease afterwards to 2013 (0.91) and then it increased again reaching the value of 0.99 in 2015, indicating that the resource is currently subjected to overexploitation.

The spawning stock biomass (SBB) was estimated at 86 595 t in 2015. As the target reference point is set at 45 936 t, the stock is overexploited.

Discard and bycatch:

The use of purse seine ensures low levels of discard and bycatch. Discards level below 1% are reported by the GFCM assessment in 2015. There are no records of protected species affected by this fishery.

References:

GFCM http://www.fao.org/gfcm/activities/fisheries/stock-assessment/en/

FAO, Fisheries and Resources Monitoring System http://firms.fao.org/firms/resource/13762/en

Initial Audit Report

Recertification audit report

Corrective actions

Audit report

Fishing area: FAO 87 Pacific, Southeast

Initial Audit Report

Peru – Engraulis ringens – Purse seine – FAO 87

Species: Engraulis ringens

Gear type: Purse seine

Fishing Area: FAO Area 87 Pacific Southeast

Stock Status: The Peruvian Sea Institute (Instituto del Mar del Perù – IMARPE) is the scientific institute in charge of assessing the stocks and setting fishing quotas of small pelagics. IMARPE issues recommendations based on scientific data, that are implemented by the Ministry of Production to garantee the control and conservation of the stocks of anchovies.
The latest stock assessment, carried out between May and July 2016, reported a value of anchoveta biomass 14% higher than the average value estimated by observations collected between 1994 and 2015.

Discards: The Peruvian Law sets the discard limit to 5% for all anchovies fleets.

Initial Audit Report

Peru – Engraulis ringens – Purse seine – FAO 87

Species: Engraulis ringens

Gear type: Purse seine

Fishing Area: FAO Area 87 Pacific Southeast

Stock Status: The Peruvian Sea Institute (Instituto del Mar del Perù – IMARPE) is the scientific institute in charge of assessing the stocks and setting fishing quotas of small pelagics. IMARPE issues recommendations based on scientific data, that are implemented by the Ministry of Production to garantee the control and conservation of the stocks of anchovies.
The latest stock assessment, carried out between May and July 2016, reported a value of anchoveta biomass 14% higher than the average value estimated by observations collected between 1994 and 2015.

Discards: The Peruvian Law sets the discard limit to 5% for all anchovies fleets.

audit report

Perù

Fishing area: FAO 87 Pacific,
Southeast

Fishing method: Purse seine.

Certified species: Scientific
name: Engraulis ringens Common name: Peruvian anchovy.

 Management summary

In Perù, the anchovy stock is
assessed by the Instituto del Mar del Peru (IMARPE). They carry out the
hydroacoustic assessment cruises of pelagic fisheries (anchovy) twice a year
(April and November) by means of 02 scientist vessels BICs Jos Olaya Balandra
and Humboldt to determine the anchovy stock in order to establish the national
fishing quota and to ensure the preservation of the anchovy resource. Since
2015 IMARPE published their methodology for generating total permissible catch
recommendations. When considered alongside regular reports summarising the
outcomes of hydro-acoustic research cruises and others detailing the process by
which the results of these cruises and length-frequency sampling are used to
generate catch recommendations. The results of the decision-making process are
provided on the PRODUCE website.

 Stock status summary: The stock under consideration is not
overfished. The anchovy stock is monitored and assessed by the scientific
authority in Peru, the Instituto del Mar del Peru (IMARPE) they issue official
reports with the results, conclusions, and recommendations, which are
officially implemented by the Production Ministry to ensure the surveillance of
the catching quotas and for the anchovy preservation. IMARPE is responsible for the assessment of Peruvian anchovy populations based
on direct and indirect methods. Fishery-dependent data are collected when catch
is landed and on board vessels at sea, and include effort data. Fisheryindependent hydro-acoustic surveys are also carried out regularly. The
stock is assessed at least twice per year by real monitoring estimating biomass
in the surveys and using integrated population models. Spawning areas are
identified and Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) is estimated using the Egg-Production Method
(EPM).

Bycatch/discards: The accident catches not
include species listed in the IUCN red List of endangered species as Vulnerable
or higher risk. Peruvian law allows just a maximum 5% of non-target species bycatch
in weight in this fishery.Peruvian
legislation, based on the IUCN Red List, prohibits the capture of protected
species (seabirds, turtles, and marine mammals) for commercial purposes,
including Peruvian Diving Petrel, Humboldt penguin, Guanay cormorant, pelican,
Peruvian booby, green sea turtle, South American sea lion and Southern fur
seal. Commercial catch, processing, and marketing of small cetaceans have been
prohibited by national law since the mid-1990s (PERU 1996).

Habitat impact: The fishing vessels are implemented with fishing nets to catch pelagic
resources according to Peruvian legislation R.M 225-2001-PE Purse net maximum
length and depth (fathoms) based on the vessels’ hold capacity. These fishing
nets are officially verified to ensure compliance with the legislation. The
fleet of Pesquera Hayduk just performs the catching operations out 5 miles from
the coastline and at more than 50 fathoms of depth (fathom = 6 feet), which is
one of the policy’s commitments to prevent any damage to the seabed. 

Initial audit

Surveillance

Recertification audit

Recertification audit

TASA – Tecnológica de Alimentos S.A.

Fishery client

TASA – Tecnológica de Alimentos S.A.

Peru.

Fishing area

FAO Major Fishing Area 87.

Fishing vessels

TASA 22, TASA 34, TASA 37, TASA 43, TASA 51, TASA 61, and TASA 419 were selected as the representative sample

Fishing method

Purse seine.

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Engraulis ringens / Peruvian anchoveta
Anchoa nasus / Longnose anchovy (white anchoveta)

Management summary

The fishery is managed by the Peruvian Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), based on scientific advice and acoustic surveys conducted by IMARPE. Fishing seasons and quotas are established after reviewing information on acoustic biomass, stock distribution, reproductive condition, size structure and oceanographic conditions. Management measures are published through official resolutions and reviewed before each fishing season.

Controls include seasonal openings, total and vessel-specific quotas, minimum fish sizes, mesh and net requirements, a five-nautical-mile coastal exclusion zone, protected-area restrictions, digital fishing logbooks and real-time satellite monitoring. TASA applies an internal six-nautical-mile fishing limit and operates a control centre that monitors vessel positions, catches and unloading ports.

The available information mainly describes national management. It does not clearly demonstrate the existence of a bilateral or regional management arrangement for the potentially transboundary southern anchovy stock; requirement 5.1.1b refers instead to the allocation of fishing zones between industrial and artisanal vessels

Stock status summary

Available information from 2021 and 2022 classified the anchovy resources as not overexploited and not overfished. The acoustic biomass of anchovy in the north-central region was estimated at 6,826,839 tonnes on 1 November 2022.

For the southern region, biomass at the end of 2021 was reported to be around the level associated with maximum sustainable yield, while fishing mortality was below the MSY-related rate. The southern information was applied to both Engraulis ringens and Anchoa nasus.

Stock management relied mainly on acoustic biomass estimates and real-time monitoring of biological and oceanographic conditions before and during each fishing season.

Bycatch/discards

Bycatch and discards are recorded in the electronic fishing logbook for each fishing trip, and the information is submitted to PRODUCE. The principal associated species identified is chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus), which may represent up to 5% of an individual vessel landing and is retained for fishmeal and fish-oil production.

A metal excluder fitted to the fish-pumping system prevents larger fish and marine animals from entering the vessel. Dolphins, turtles and other animals accidentally brought on board are released following the company’s rescue, handling and release guide. Crews also record marine-fauna sightings through the Cuidamar programme.

Habitat impact

Purse seine is a pelagic fishing method with relatively low direct impact on benthic habitats. Fishing is legally permitted beyond five nautical miles from the coast, while TASA applies an internal six-mile limit. The nets normally operate above the seabed because most fishing grounds are deeper than the maximum net depth.

In northern fishing grounds, the seabed may be shallower and occasional net contact may occur, although this was considered infrequent and negligible. Protected areas and permitted fishing zones are identified on vessel maps and monitored through satellite controls. TASA also maintains a fisheries team that reviews potential ecosystem impacts using information from IMARPE, FAO and other scientific sources.

Social accountability performance

TASA reported 2,678 employees, including 1,148 fishermen. No employees under 18 were identified, and the youngest fleet worker reviewed was 24 years old. A collective bargaining agreement between the fishermen’s union and the vessel owners’ association was reviewed and was valid for five years from 23 November 2022.

At the time of the assessment, the Peruvian minimum wage was PEN 1,025 per month. The lowest-paid fleet position reviewed averaged approximately PEN 1,590 per month, supported by a sampled payslip. TASA provided a permanent doctor and nurse during the fishing season, national healthcare and social-security contributions, and occupational safety and PPE training. The sampled payslip recorded an Essalud contribution equivalent to 8.1% of the worker’s salary.

Initial Audit Report

Recertification audit report

Engraulis encrasicolus – Purse seine – FAO 34

Species: Engraulis encrasicolus
Gear type: Purse seine
Fishing Area: FAO Area 34.1. Atlantic Eastern Central

Fishery management: The Institut National de Recherche Halieutique (INRH) is the scientific institute in charge of assessing the stocks of small pelagics in Morocco (http://www.inrh.ma/petits-pelagiques).

The Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) keeps under review the state of the fishery resources within its area of competence and establishes the scientific basis for regulatory measures leading to the conservation and management of marine fishery resources.

The strategic plan developed by Morocco for small pelagic stocks guarantees sustainable exploitation of this resource. Launched in February 2010, the plan has introduced management measures to manage permitted fishing areas, species and gears, operating procedures for the different fleets and measures to monitor catches.

Stock Status: According to the INRH (2012), the European anchovy stock in FAO area 34.1 is estimated to be fully exploited (http://www.inrh.ma/fr/petits-pelagiques/diagnostic-de-letat-dexploitation-des-stocks).

According to the latest CECAF report of the Scientific Sub-Committee (2015), the E. encrasicolus stock in the North Fishery is overexploited and the biomass level is unknown.

Habitat impact: This fishery uses purse seines, which do not interact with the seabed and hence have no negative impact.

Discards: The local law sets the discard limit to 2%. Moroccan authorities control and weight each landing.

Initial Audit Report

Corrective Actions

Recertification Audit Report

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: Engraulis encrasicolus; Common name: Anchovy.

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 Central Atlantic, the biomass evaluated in 2016 is 33% lower compared to the level of 2015 and the stock is considered fully exploited. In the South Atlantic, compared to the 2015 data, the stock showed a reduction in the number of individuals and an increase in the weight gain of the anchovy population; the stock is considered fully exploited. The minimum legal size of anchovy is 1-13 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.

Friend of the Sea – C.so Buenos Aires 45, 20124 Milan Italy – HQ +39 0287075166 – Italy +39 3485650306 – Skype: friend.of.the.sea –

Recertification audit

Fishery client: Compañía Pesquera del Pacífico Centro S.A. –

Fishing area: Southeast Pacific, FAO Major Fishing Area 87 – Peruvian waters, North-Central zone (industrial fishing only beyond 5 nautical miles from the coast).

Fishing vessels: Eleven Peruvian purse seiners. Vessels audited on site: Renzo, Calamar, and Halcón.

Fishing method: Purse seine

Certified species: Engraulis ringens / Peruvian anchoveta

Management summary

The fishery is managed by the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) under the General Fisheries Law and the anchoveta fishing regulations for indirect human consumption (D.S. 005-2012-PRODUCE). The Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE) carries out the stock assessments and provides scientific advice, and the national fisheries health agency (SANIPES) supervises food safety. Management is based on two fishing seasons a year, opened by ministerial resolution after IMARPE acoustic surveys. Each season has a Maximum Total Allowable Catch Limit (LMTCP): for the North-Central stock it was 2,430,499 t in the first season of 2024 and 2,510,000 t in the second (R.M. 00419-2024-PRODUCE).

Other measures include closed seasons, a minimum landing size of 12 cm with a tolerance for juveniles (R.M. 209-2001-PE), the 13 mm minimum mesh size, a 5% bycatch tolerance per landing, and the first 5 nautical miles reserved for artisanal fishing. Rules on approaching cetaceans also apply (R.M. 451-2019-PRODUCE). All vessels carry the SITRAPESCA satellite tracking system (D.S. 029-2005-PRODUCE), use official logbooks, and are checked by PRODUCE inspectors at every landing, where declared and landed catch are compared. The audit found no vessels flying a flag of convenience or on IUU lists.

Stock status summary

IMARPE assesses the North-Central stock of Peruvian anchoveta before each season through hydroacoustic surveys and publishes the results. Its report of October 2024 estimated the stock biomass at 7,818,904 t, and the second-season catch limit of 2,510,000 t was set on this basis. The catch limits are adjusted each season to the estimated biomass. According to the audit, the stock is not overexploited.

Bycatch/discards

Bycatch is recorded for each fishing trip in the official landing control records (“Reporte de faena y calas”) and checked by PRODUCE inspectors. The trip reports reviewed by the auditor showed almost exclusively anchoveta, and no discards were found. The legal bycatch tolerance is 5% of the landed weight, discard handling follows the protocols set by D.S. 005-2017-PRODUCE, and IMARPE publishes catch and bycatch data. The company has a procedure for protecting endangered species, under which protected species caught by accident are released and recorded. During the audit period one shark caught by an industrial vessel was released alive.

Habitat Impact 

Purse seines are used in the water column and do not normally touch the seabed. The anchoveta fishery takes place in open fishing areas, not in protected areas, and compliance is monitored through SITRAPESCA tracking data that PRODUCE reviews remotely.

The company has a procedure for recovering fishing gear (PCOP-P-GP-0603), and crews must report any lost net to the maritime authority; no gear losses have been recorded. Trips last at most one day, so little waste is produced. Plastic waste and worn-out gear are landed for recycling under a waste management procedure (PCOP-P-GP-0605). Only biodegradable cleaning products are used on board, and process water from the plant is biologically treated before being discharged through a 10 km submarine outfall. Most vessels have no refrigeration; Don Lucho uses ammonia, which does not deplete the ozone layer. Energy use by the plant and the vessels is recorded, and the company is enrolled in the national Huella de Carbono Perú programme (MINAM) to calculate its carbon footprint.

Social Accountability performance

The Chimbote plant employs 108 people, and the fleet has 167 crew (90 on the Los Halcones vessels and 77 on the Humacare vessels). The audit found the company compliant with all social accountability requirements, with no non-conformities. Records showed no workers under 18, the legal minimum working age. Sampled payslips showed wages above the national minimum wage (1,025 soles/month, D.S. 003-2022-TR), with health (9%) and pension contributions paid. The company has occupational risk prevention staff, hazard assessments, accident statistics and PPE, including UV protection. Interviewed workers confirmed freedom of association (Legislative Decree 728), voluntary overtime and no discrimination, and the vessels have showers, food, water and rest areas.

audit report

Corrective Actions

Chile – Purse seine – Engraulis ringens – FAO 87

Species: Engraulis ringens

Gear type: Purse seine

Fishing Area: FAO 87 Pacific Southeast

Fishery management: Engraulis ringens is one of the most intensely fished species in this area. The stock is monitored by the FAO and by the Subsecretary for fishery and aquaculture of Chile. The latter monitors the stock and sets the individual quotas each vessel can fish annually based on the outcome of the assessment. Quotas are set for industrial fleets and artesanal fleets. Each vessel has a GPS system on board that allows their localisation at any time. This system also assists fishermen in identifying the areas where fishing is forbidden.

Stock Status: According to the latest assessment (CCT-PP. 2017), the stock was overfished and overexploited in 2016. According to the information collected during the audit, the fishing fleets and artesanal fleets under consideration do not catch more than 10% of the total catch of anchovy permitted under the quota system.

Discard: The fishing activity does not produce any discard as the bycatch mainly consists on mackerel, which is retained and sold to the local market. Furthermore industrial vessels have an ecosonar onboard which assists in identifying the average size of the fish in the school in order to avoid catching too young individuals.

References:

CCT-PP. 2016. Informe Técnico 2016/04. Determinación del Estado de Situación y Rango de Captura Biológicamente Aceptable de Recursos Pelágicos Pequeños, Año 2017. Comité Científico Técnico de Pesquerías de Pequeños Pelágicos. Subsecretaría de Pesca y Acuicultura.

audit report

Corrective Actions

Engraulis encrasicolus – Purse seine – FAO 34

Species: Engraulis encrasicolus
Gear type: Purse seine
Fishing Area: FAO Area 34.1. Atlantic Eastern Central

Fishery management: The Institut National de Recherche Halieutique (INRH) is the scientific institute in charge of assessing the stocks of small pelagics in Morocco (http://www.inrh.ma/petits-pelagiques).

The Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) keeps under review the state of the fishery resources within its area of competence and establishes the scientific basis for regulatory measures leading to the conservation and management of marine fishery resources.

The strategic plan developed by Morocco for small pelagic stocks guarantees sustainable exploitation of this resource. Launched in February 2010, the plan has introduced management measures to manage permitted fishing areas, species and gears, operating procedures for the different fleets and measures to monitor catches.

Stock Status: According to the INRH (2012), the European anchovy stock in FAO area 34.1 is estimated to be fully exploited (http://www.inrh.ma/fr/petits-pelagiques/diagnostic-de-letat-dexploitation-des-stocks).

According to the latest CECAF report of the Scientific Sub-Committee (2015), the E. encrasicolus stock in the North Fishery is overexploited and the biomass level is unknown.

Habitat impact: This fishery uses purse seines, which do not interact with the seabed and hence have no negative impact.

Discards: The local law sets the discard limit to 2%. Moroccan authorities control and weight each landing.

Initial Audit Report

Engraulis encrasicolus – Purse seine – FAO 34

Species: Engraulis encrasicolus
Gear type: Purse seine
Fishing Area: FAO Area 34.1. Atlantic Eastern Central

Fishery management: The Institut National de Recherche Halieutique (INRH) is the scientific institute in charge of assessing the stocks of small pelagics in Morocco (http://www.inrh.ma/petits-pelagiques).

The Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) keeps under review the state of the fishery resources within its area of competence and establishes the scientific basis for regulatory measures leading to the conservation and management of marine fishery resources.

The strategic plan developed by Morocco for small pelagic stocks guarantees sustainable exploitation of this resource. Launched in February 2010, the plan has introduced management measures to manage permitted fishing areas, species and gears, operating procedures for the different fleets and measures to monitor catches.

Stock Status: According to the INRH (2012), the European anchovy stock in FAO area 34.1 is estimated to be fully exploited (http://www.inrh.ma/fr/petits-pelagiques/diagnostic-de-letat-dexploitation-des-stocks).

According to the latest CECAF report of the Scientific Sub-Committee (2015), the E. encrasicolus stock in the North Fishery is overexploited and the biomass level is unknown.

Habitat impact: This fishery uses purse seines, which do not interact with the seabed and hence have no negative impact.

Discards: The local law sets the discard limit to 2%. Moroccan authorities control and weight each landing.

Initial Audit Report

Corrective Actions

Engraulis encrasicolus –Purse seine – FAO 37 (GSA 29, Black Sea)

Species: Engraulis encrasicolus

Gear type: Purse seine

Fishing Area: FAO 37, Subarea 4.2 Black Sea (GSA 29)

Fishery management: The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is the regional fishery management organisation in charge of the assessment of the size and state of European anchovy stocks in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea (FAO 37). The fisheries operations in Turkey are regulated by the Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock.

Stock Status: There are uncertainties about the stock status of Engraulis encrasicolus in the Black Sea due to high seasonal variation and the short lifespan of the species. Despite the assessment uncertainties, a noticeable increase in the recruitment is evident in the last years (2012-2013).

Moreover, the general trend in the last ten years indicates a slight decrease in the fishing mortality. This is the consequence of the effort regulation measures recently enforced by Turkey, namely restriction the anchovy fishery to night hours only (16:00 to 08:00) since 2007, setting a depth limit (0-24m) for purse seining, and by the buyback program launched in 2012.

Discard and bycatch: The use of purse seine ensures low levels of discard and bycatch. Mesh and net size are regulated by the local institution and they play an important role in the discard management.

References:

Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock http://www.tarim.gov.tr/

GFCM http://www.fao.org/gfcm/activities/fisheries/stock-assessment/en/

Initial Audit Report

Engraulis encrasicolus – Purse seine – FAO 37 (2.1, Adriatic Sea)

Species: Engraulis encrasicolus

Gear type: Purse seine

Fishing Area: FAO 37, Subarea 2.1 Adriatic Sea (GSA 17,18)

Fishery management:

The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is the regional fishery management organisation in charge of the assessment of the size and state of European anchovy stocks in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea (FAO 37). GFCM is in charge also of ensuring the sustainability of fisheries activities through the adoption of adequate management measures.

The Italian authority responsible for the supervision and management of fisheries is the General Fisheries directorate-general of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Stock Status

The most recent stock assessment results were published in 2016, and refer to data collected in 2015.

The average fishing mortality increased constantly up to 2011, when reached the maximum value of 1.006. It started to decrease afterwards to 2013 (0.91) and then it increased again reaching the value of 0.99 in 2015, indicating that the resource is currently subjected to overexploitation.

The spawning stock biomass (SBB) was estimated at 86 595 t in 2015. As the target reference point is set at 45 936 t, the stock is overexploited.

Discard and bycatch:

The use of purse seine ensures low levels of discard and bycatch. Discards level below 1% are reported by the GFCM assessment in 2015. There are no records of protected species affected by this fishery.

References:

GFCM http://www.fao.org/gfcm/activities/fisheries/stock-assessment/en/

FAO, Fisheries and Resources Monitoring System http://firms.fao.org/firms/resource/13762/en

Initial Audit Report

Recertification audit report

Corrective Actions

Basic description of the fleet/fishery

Fishery client: TASA – TECNOLOGIA DE ALIMENTOS S.A. – Breca Group.

Fishing area: FAO area 87; Pacific, Southeast.

Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 48 vessels.

Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: CO-10614-PM; CO-22326-PM.

Fishing method: Purse seine.

Specie certificate: nome scientifico / nome comune

Engraulis ringens / Anchoveta, Peruvian Anchovi

Anchoa nasus / Anchoa blanca, Longnose Anchovi

Management summary

The Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) is the government agency that manages fisheries in Peru. All fishing vessels are real time monitored by Satellite and can be seen by PRODUCE on the GPS screen. The Instituto del Mar del Peru (IMARPE) is a specialized technical agency of PRODUCE, aimed at scientific research and the study and knowledge of the Peruvian sea and its resources. Based on IMARPE researches, the Peruvian government determines the fishing seasons and quotas.

Stock status summary

The biomass estimation for the first season of 2017 was 8.9 million tons. A value higher than the previous year. According to IMARPE, these two species are not being overexploited and overfished.

Bycatch / discards

Anchovy schools are compact, so not many other species swim among them. The most common is the Scomber japonicus, which according to the law can be caught to produce meal and oil up to the limit of 5% for each boat landing. The fish caught in the net is pumped up to the boat. On the tip of the pumping tube, there is a metal excluder to avoid the suction of bigger fish or mammals. Whenever a smaller predator, mammal or turtle is sucked up to the boat, they are released back to the ocean. The unit of certification keeps a record of all bycatch and discards.

Habitat Impact

Fishing is done outside protected areas, with 6 miles of distance from the shore. The net measures are between 895m to 1303m in length and 87m to 121m in depth. The sea bottom is much deeper than the depth of the nets, so the nets almost never touch the bottom of the ocean. The impact on the water column is considered minimum.

Social Accountability performance

The fleet complies with the human rights and Peruvian labour regulations.

Conclusion with reasons for approval

La flotta rispetta i requisiti di Friend of the Sea, senza alcuna non conformità.

Friend of the Sea – C.so Buenos Aires 45, 20124 Milan Italy – HQ +39 0287075166 – Italy +39 3485650306 – Skype: friend.of.the.sea –

Initial Audit Report

Engraulis encrasicolus – Purse seine – FAO 37 (2.1, Adriatic Sea)

Species: Engraulis encrasicolus

Gear type: Purse seine

Fishing Area: FAO 37, Subarea 2.1 Adriatic Sea (GSA 17,18)

Fishery management:

The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is the regional fishery management organisation in charge of the assessment of the size and state of European anchovy stocks in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea (FAO 37). GFCM is in charge also of ensuring the sustainability of fisheries activities through the adoption of adequate management measures.

The Italian authority responsible for the supervision and management of fisheries is the General Fisheries directorate-general of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Stock Status

The most recent stock assessment results were published in 2016, and refer to data collected in 2015.

The average fishing mortality increased constantly up to 2011, when reached the maximum value of 1.006. It started to decrease afterwards to 2013 (0.91) and then it increased again reaching the value of 0.99 in 2015, indicating that the resource is currently subjected to overexploitation.

The spawning stock biomass (SBB) was estimated at 86 595 t in 2015. As the target reference point is set at 45 936 t, the stock is overexploited.

Discard and bycatch:

The use of purse seine ensures low levels of discard and bycatch. Discards level below 1% are reported by the GFCM assessment in 2015. There are no records of protected species affected by this fishery.

References:

GFCM http://www.fao.org/gfcm/activities/fisheries/stock-assessment/en/

FAO, Fisheries and Resources Monitoring System http://firms.fao.org/firms/resource/13762/en

Recertification audit report

Corrective action

Surveillance

Corrective Action

Recertification

Fishery client

Austral Group S.A.A.

Peru.

Fishing area

FAO Fishing Area 87.

Fishing vessels

The fleet includes 18 Austral-owned Peruvian purse seiners:

CASACA (CO-12234-PM), DON OLE (CO-50608-PM), ESTELA DE ORO II (CO-10399-PM), ESTELA DE PLATA (CO-6255-PM), ESTELA DE PLATA II (CO-9908-PM), JUANCHO (CO-12232-PM), KIANA (CO-18812-PM), LIGRUNN (CO-52127-PM), MALENA (CO-15724-PM), MARINA (CO-18644-PM), NORMA (CO-11391-PM), NUEVA RESBALOSA (CO-13012-PM), NUNCIA (CO-10398-PM), PITI (CO-18813-PM), RESBALOSA II (CO-10447-PM), ROSA II (CO-16948-PM), SIMON (CO-18517-PM) and VEA (CO-68005-PM).

The following 24 third-party Peruvian purse seiners supplied the company in 2024:

ALMIRANTE GRAU II (PL-1510-PM), SILVIA ESMERALDA (PL-67364-PM), ALMIRANTE GRAU (PL-10379-CM), CRUZ DEL SUR II (PL-19860-CM), CRUZ DEL SUR III (PL-2279-PM), MI DIONICIO 3 (PT-3401-CM), SOLO DIOS CON SU PODER (PL-18112-CM), SOLO DIOS CON SU PODER 3 (CO-29012-PM), JULIA NORA (PT-3818-CM), PM 5 (SY-1579-CM), MANTA 4 (CE-4053-PM), BEATITA DE HUMAY III (PL-19881-CM), MI CECILIA (PL-19893-CM), ALMIRANTE GRAU 1 (SY-19960-CM), JOAS LO QUE JEHOVA DIO (PT-3958-CM), MARIA EUGENIA 2 (PL-15498-CM), SANTA ELVIRA 2 (PL-40719-CM), ÉXITO (PT-6081-CM), ÉXITO DEL PACIFICO II (CO-20307-CM), MARIA MAGALY (PT-3299-PM), MARIA DEL CARMEN (CO-19773-PM), NEPTUNO (PL-31178-PM), TIBURON 6 (CE-4122-PM) and TIBURON 7 (CO-16854-PM). PITI (CO-18813-PM) and CRUZ DEL SUR II (PL-19860-CM) were selected as the representative vessel sample.

Fishing method

Purse seine.

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Engraulis ringens / Peruvian anchoveta.

Management summary

The fishery is managed by the Peruvian Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), based on scientific information from IMARPE (Instituto del Mar del Peru). IMARPE possesses research boats that do investigation cruises to do a stock assessment prior in order to determine the start and duration of the fishing season and the quotas. Stock status is assessed based on real-time monitoring, which consists of direct biomass estimates and distribution from acoustic surveys prior each fishing season, and monitoring of oceanographic conditions, samplings for size structure and reproductive and somatic conditions, before and during fishing seasons, carries out acoustic research cruises and monitoring. PRODUCE establishes fishing seasons, total catch limits and vessel quotas. Controls include fishing permits, logbooks, satellite monitoring, a 13 mm minimum mesh size, a 12 cm minimum anchoveta length, juvenile-catch monitoring and temporary area closures. There are two fishing seasons. The first is from mid-April to June/July, and the second is from October/November to December/January.

Stock status summary

Management is based on real-time monitoring and direct acoustic biomass estimates. Biomass was reported as 9,978,705 metric tons in the North-Central area on 1 April 2024 and 922,000 metric tons in the southern area on 1 November 2023. The 2024 catch limits cited were 2,475,000 and 251,000 metric tons, respectively. Peruvian anchoveta stock was not over-exploited or overfished

Bycatch/discards

Bycatch is very limited. Vessels record sightings and incidents involving dolphins, sea lions and turtles, and the auditor reviewed the relevant sighting and fishing-operation records. A metal excluder reduces the intake of larger animals, while smaller predators, mammals or turtles taken on board are released. The report states that there are no discards because the catch is used for fishmeal and fish oil.

Habitat impact

Fishing generally occurs beyond five nautical miles from the coast, where the seabed is deeper than the nets, and the audit considers impacts on the water column and seabed to be low. Nets may occasionally touch shallow sandy seabeds in northern areas, but the impact was assessed as negligible and no benthic fauna was reported in catches. Protected areas are plotted on vessel navigation systems and monitored by GPS and satellite controls.

Social accountability performance

Austral complies with Peruvian labour and social-security requirements. The minimum employment age is 18 years, plant wages exceed the national minimum wage, and fishing crews are paid through a production-based system regulated by a collective bargaining agreement. Workers are registered in the national healthcare system, PPE is provided free of charge, and regular safety training is conducted. Austral has 1,144 employees, including 346 fishermen.

Initial audit

Surveillance

Recertification audit

Fishery client

Sea Products Ltd.

Georgia

Fishing area

FAO 37

Fishing vessels

GUKA-1, LAZIKA-1, LAZIKA, BURAK BALIKCILIK-1 and KURULAR BALIKCILIK-1

GUKA-1 and BURAK BALIKCILIK-1 were inspected as the audit sample.

Fishing method

Purse seine

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Engraulis encrasicolus / European anchovy

Management summary

The fishery is managed under Georgian legislation, particularly Resolution No. 423 of 2013, and through regional cooperation under the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and among Black Sea coastal states. Black Sea anchovy is a transboundary stock whose seasonal migrations cross several national jurisdictions, requiring coordinated stock assessments and conservation measures.

Management measures include quotas, vessel licensing, closed seasons and areas, mesh-size requirements, minimum landing sizes, landing inspections, government-approved delivery notes, controls on prohibited gear and a maximum allowable bycatch of 2% for purse seines and cone nets. Fishing activity, catches, bycatch, and discards are reported to the authorities, while protected areas are identified through vessel navigation systems. CCTV is also available on board.

For the 2025–2026 season, Georgia established a total anchovy quota of 65,000 tonnes. Sea Products received three allocations of 2,886 tonnes, 4,765.15 tonnes and 6,500 tonnes, representing a combined quota of 14,151.15 tonnes.

Stock status summary

Black Sea anchovy is assessed through GFCM scientific working groups using SAM and SPiCT models. Earlier quantitative results indicated fishing mortality below FMSY and biomass above BMSY and the applicable precautionary and limit reference points, supporting its classification as not overexploited and not overfished.

The 2025 Working Group provided qualitative rather than fully quantitative advice, recommended reducing fishing mortality and indicated that the situation remained similar to 2023 and 2024.

Bycatch/discards

Captain interviews and daily fishing records indicated that only anchovy was captured and that no bycatch, discards, incidental mortality or unreported catch occurred during the reviewed operations. Catch information, including species, fishing zone, quantities, and bycatch, is reported through government-approved delivery notes and checked by authorized representatives at landing. No endangered or vulnerable species were identified.

Georgian regulations permit a maximum of 2% non-target species for purse seines and cone nets. When the species composition is uncertain or a large quantity of non-target catch is present, the catch may be released alive before being brought on board.

Habitat impact

Purse seine gear operates in the water column and does not contact the seabed, so direct effects on benthic habitats and vulnerable marine ecosystems are considered negligible. Fishing movements are monitored in relation to permitted and protected zones, which are identified through vessel navigation systems.

The wider management framework considers potential interactions with cetaceans, turtles, seabirds, sharks and rays. Bycatch incidents are uncommon in purse seine fisheries targeting small pelagic species. However, anchovy is an important prey species for Black Sea harbour porpoises and common dolphins and is also consumed by bottlenose dolphins.

Social accountability performance

The fleet applies a minimum employment age of 18 years, and crew lists confirmed that no workers under 18 were employed. Salaries are above the Georgian legal minimum, with additional bonuses linked to production.

Fishers undergo medical fitness controls and are covered by health and occupational accident insurance. Vessel safety certification and accident records are maintained. Crew interviews confirmed freedom of association and the absence of forced labour and discrimination. Working and accommodation conditions on board were considered appropriate for the duties performed.

Initial Audit Report

Fishery client

Dromoni LLC

Georgia

Fishing area

FAO 37

Fishing vessels

Dromoni 1

Fishing method

Purse seine.

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Engraulis encrasicolus / European anchovy

Management summary

The fishery is managed through the FAO General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) SAC (Scientific Advisory Committee) and Sub-Committee on Stock Assessment (SCSA).

The Georgian European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) fishery operating primarily in geographical subarea GSA 29 (Black Sea EEZ of Georgia) is managed within a multi-tiered regulatory structure. Because anchovies are a highly migratory, transboundary stock that spawn in warm southern waters off Turkey and Georgia and overwinter across regional borders, effective management requires regional cooperation alongside strict domestic execution.

Stock status summary

The stock status is evaluated primarily using the SPICT (Stochastic Surplus Production Model in Continuous Time) model. While age-structured models like SAM are being refined, SPICT provides the validated framework for scientific advice due to short time-series data from fishery-independent surveys and spatial sampling limits (mainly centered in Turkish waters).

Based on benchmark assessments, quantitative status reference points indicate , , and . The stock is classified as sustainably exploited, though GFCM qualitative scientific advice maintains a precautionary approach, advising against increases in fishing mortality.

Bycatch/discards

Purse seine operations exhibit high gear selectivity. Discard rates are negligible (well below the  FOS maximum threshold), and non-target species catch is restricted to a maximum allowable limit of .

The Black Sea hosts three protected cetacean subspecies—the Black Sea harbour porpoise, common dolphin, and bottlenose dolphin. While pelagic trawls carry higher risks, purse seine operations present minimal cetacean or seabird bycatch risks. Bycatch logs confirm zero incidental catches of endangered, threatened, or protected (ETP) species.

Habitat impact

Because purse seines operate exclusively in the pelagic water column, there is zero contact with or destruction of benthic seabed habitats.

Vessels are tracked via Satellite Control Systems / Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS). Commercial operations are restricted beyond 300 meters from shore and forbidden inside designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) or Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRAs).

Social accountability performance

Certified operations comply with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards: child labor is prohibited (minimum age 20), crews receive health insurance and safety training, wages exceed national minimum requirements, and full rights to voluntary labor and collective bargaining are upheld.

Initial audit

Surveillance

Recertification audit

Fishery client

Sürsan Su Ürünleri San ve Tic A.Ş.

Turkey

Fishing area

FAO 37

Fishing vessels

SÜRSAN 1 (55A1012; 208 MT), SÜRSAN 22 (55A2145; 118 MT), SÜRSAN 26 (55A3113; 146 MT) and SÜRSAN 34 (55A3455; 195 MT).

SÜRSAN 22 and SÜRSAN 26 were sampled.

Fishing method

Purse seine.

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Engraulis encrasicolus / European anchovy

Management summary

The fishery is managed nationally by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and regionally through GFCM cooperation for the transboundary Black Sea stock. Controls include vessel registration and licensing, vessel-specific quotas, catch and first-sale records, logbooks, official origin and transport documents, landing controls, Coast Guard and other government inspections, and company fishery-management procedures. The audit records a national 2025-2026 anchovy quota of 400,000 tonnes and a combined Sürsan allocation of 4,357 tonnes for three operating vessels.

Stock status summary

The stock is not overexploited and not overfished; the supporting 2025 Working Group report provides qualitative precautionary advice. It recommends reducing, or not increasing, fishing mortality. This situation remained unchanged from 2023 to 2025.

Bycatch/discards

The captain and crew reviewed daily records and reported no bycatch, discards, endangered-species captures, or unreported mortality, and the audit describes purse-seine discard and bycatch as negligible. Catch details, including species, area, quantities, and bycatch, are reported to the authorities and checked at landing.

Habitat impact

Purse seine is a pelagic fishing method that does not contact or damage the seabed. Compliance with permitted fishing zones and Marine Protected Area requirements was reviewed, and the fishery-management system considers essential habitats and vulnerable marine ecosystems.

Social accountability performance

The audit reported that no workers under 18 were employed. A payroll of TRY 45,000 was reviewed against a stated legal minimum of TRY 22,104. Occupational health and safety are monitored by licensed specialists, and procedures cover access to health care, emergency response, PPE, accident records, freedom of association, prohibition of forced labour and discrimination, and rights onboard.

Initial audit

Fishery client

Conserveries des Deux Mers

Fishing area

FAO 34

Fishing vessels

The fishing unit comprises ten Moroccan-flagged purse seiners: Doyouf Arrahmane, Inbiaat II, Abdeljalil, Bikdi, Takoumba, Tarrast 2, Abou Rl Faraj, Kanaan, Nour Atlas and Al Borj 1.

Fishing method

Purse seines

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

European anchovy — Engraulis encrasicolus.

Management summary

The fishery operates within Morocco’s management framework for Atlantic small pelagic fisheries. The northern management unit includes the North Atlantic–Mediterranean and Central Atlantic fisheries. Management measures include catch limits, authorized fishing zones, vessel controls and landing declarations. Fishing vessels report the species and quantities landed to the maritime fisheries authorities.

Stock status summary

European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) was described as fully exploited in the North, A and B zones in the stock information cited for this fishery. Its availability and annual catches vary with environmental conditions; fishing effort is therefore adjusted to fluctuations in the resource.

Bycatch/discards

Vessels declare catches of both target and incidental species, and landings are subject to checks by the maritime fisheries authorities. The cited Moroccan small pelagic fishery rules allow incidental catches up to 3% of the authorized quantity. Purse seine selectivity and catch declarations support monitoring of non-target species.

Habitat impact

Purse seines operate in the water column around pelagic fish schools and generally avoid contact with the seabed. Fishing is subject to spatial restrictions, including protected and closed areas; management assessments consider effects on habitats and associated species.

Social accountability performance

The fishery employs approximately 13 crew members per vessel. Crew members must hold a maritime booklet and be at least 18 years old. Pay is based on role and catch share and is stated to exceed the Moroccan minimum wage. Medical checks are required before embarkation through port medical services.

Initial audit

Surveillance

Fishery client: Geofish Company LLC

Fishing area: FAO 37

Fishing vessels: Geofish Company

Fishing method: Purse seine

Certified species: Engraulis encrasicolus / European anchovy

Management summary

Black Sea anchovy is a stock shared by the Black Sea coastal states. Scientific advice is coordinated by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) through its Subregional Group on Stock Assessment in the Black Sea, and by the EU Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF). In Georgia the fishery is regulated by Government Resolution No. 423 of 2013 on fishing and the protection of fish stocks, under the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection and the National Environmental Agency. The resolution sets the authorised gear and prohibited methods, mesh size and net dimensions, fishing zones and a maximum bycatch of 2% of non-target species for purse seines. Anchovy catches are limited by an annual national allocation of about 85,000 t, divided among five companies. For the season 1 October 2024 – 1 October 2025, Geofish was allocated 12,463.1 t (document no. 550 of 30/09/2024); its anchovy catch in 2024 was 5,474 t. Georgia applies a minimum landing size of 6.5–7 cm, below the 9 cm applied in Türkiye, and relies mainly on the catch allocation to manage the fishery. All landings are declared to the authorities on government-approved delivery notes, with officials present at landing. The vessel keeps daily catch records, holds a valid fishing licence, has CCTV on board, and was not found on any IUU list.

Stock status summary

The Black Sea anchovy stock (GSA 29) is assessed by the GFCM. The latest validated assessment (SPiCT surplus production model, reference year 2021) classifies the stock as sustainably exploited: Fcurrent/FMSY = 0.57, B2022/BMSY = 1.2, B/Bpa = 2.4 and B/Blim = 4.01. The stock is therefore not subject to overfishing and not overfished. The GFCM benchmark assessment in Burgas (July 2023) recommended SPiCT until the data improve, a second benchmark session on Black Sea anchovy and sprat (Batumi, July 2024) did not finalise the anchovy assessment, and the scientific advice was not to increase fishing mortality.

Bycatch/discards

Purse seining for small pelagics is selective, and discards in the Black Sea anchovy fishery are considered negligible. The vessel’s daily catch records reviewed during the 2025 surveillance audit show anchovy only, with no bycatch, discards or incidental mortality recorded. National rules limit bycatch to 2% of non-target species, and catches are declared to the authorities at each landing. Interactions with Black Sea cetaceans (harbour porpoise, common dolphin and bottlenose dolphin, protected under ACCOBAMS) are reported mainly in pelagic trawl fisheries and are rarer in purse seine fisheries. According to the skipper, no endangered or vulnerable species have been caught, and in case of doubt the whole catch is released alive. Shark finning is not practised.

Habitat Impact 

Purse seines are used in the water column and do not normally touch the seabed. Protected and closed areas are notified by the authorities and entered in the vessel’s navigation system so that the vessel avoids them, and the vessel fishes only within the permitted zones defined by Resolution 423. The only GFCM fisheries restricted area in the Black Sea (no bottom-towed gear below 1,000 m) does not affect this fishery. Lost gear is retrieved with equipment on board, and its position is recorded when it cannot be recovered. Damaged nets are repaired or stored at a dedicated area in the port for collection and recycling. Solid waste is sorted on board and landed, with a waste journal kept. Used oils are delivered to an authorised contractor, and no ozone-depleting refrigerants or toxic chemicals are used. Fuel use is recorded, but a carbon footprint has not been calculated; the auditor made a recommendation on this.

Social Accountability performance

The vessel employs 30 fishers. The audit found the company compliant with all social accountability requirements, with no non-conformities. The crew list shows no workers under 18. Employment contracts show wages above the Georgian minimum wage, plus catch-related bonuses. Fishers have medical fitness checks, health insurance and work-accident insurance, and accidents are recorded. Interviews with randomly selected fishers confirmed freedom of association, no forced labour, and no discrimination. Working conditions on board were found adequate.

Initial audit

Surveillance

Fishery client: Iceberg 2 LTD

Fishing area: FAO 37

Fishing vessels: Iceberg-2 and Poti. Iceberg-2 was sampled.

Fishing method: Purse seine

Certified species: Engraulis encrasicolus / European anchovy

Management summary

Black Sea anchovy is a stock shared by the Black Sea coastal states. Scientific advice is coordinated by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) through its Subregional Group on Stock Assessment in the Black Sea, and by the EU Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF). In Georgia, the fishery is managed by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection. It sets an annual national anchovy limit of 85,000 t, allocated among five companies, along with a minimum landing size (6.5–7 cm), mesh-size rules and closed areas. All landings are declared to the authorities on government-approved delivery notes, with officials present at landing. The vessels hold valid fishing licences, have CCTV on board, and were not found on any IUU list.

Stock status summary

The Black Sea anchovy stock (GSA 29) is assessed by the GFCM. The latest validated assessment (SPiCT surplus production model, reference year 2021) classifies the stock as sustainably exploited: Fcurrent/FMSY = 0.57, B2022/BMSY = 1.2, B/Bpa = 2.4 and B/Blim = 4.01. The stock is therefore not subject to overfishing and is not overfished.

Bycatch/discards

Purse seining for small pelagics is selective, and discards in the Black Sea anchovy fishery are considered negligible. Catches, including any bycatch, are declared to the authorities at each landing. Interactions with Black Sea cetaceans (harbour porpoise, common dolphin and bottlenose dolphin, protected under ACCOBAMS) are reported mainly in pelagic trawl fisheries and are rarer in purse seine fisheries. According to the skipper, no endangered or vulnerable species have been caught, and in case of doubt, the whole catch is released alive. Shark finning is not practised.

Habitat Impact 

Purse seines are used in the water column and do not normally touch the seabed. Protected and closed areas are notified by the authorities and entered in the vessels’ navigation systems so that the vessels avoid them. The only GFCM fisheries restricted area in the Black Sea (no bottom-towed gear below 1,000 m) does not affect this fishery. Lost gear is retrieved with the equipment carried on board, and its position is recorded when it cannot be recovered. Damaged nets are repaired or stored at a dedicated area in the port for collection and recycling. Solid waste is sorted on board and landed, with a waste journal kept. Used oils are delivered to an authorised contractor, and no ozone-depleting refrigerants or toxic chemicals are used. Fuel use is recorded, but a carbon footprint has not been calculated; the auditor made a recommendation on this.

Social Accountability performance

The two vessels employ 102 fishers (73 and 29). The audit found the company compliant with all social accountability requirements, with no non-conformities. The crew list shows no workers under 18. Employment contracts show wages above the Georgian minimum wage, plus catch-related bonuses. Fishers have medical fitness checks, health insurance and work-accident insurance, and accidents are recorded. Interviews with randomly selected fishers confirmed freedom of association, no forced labour, and no discrimination. Working conditions on board were found adequate.