Freshwater Fish

Species scientific names: Perca fluviatilis, Stizostedion lucioperca, Esox lucius

FAO area: Peipsi Lake

Fishing method: Gill net

Initial Audit Report

Estonia – Gillnet – Perca fluviatilis, Stizostedion lucioperca, Esox lucius – Peipus and Lämmi Lakes.
 

Fishery client: Katroni Ltd.
Fishing area: Peipus and Lämmi Lakes – half of the area is Russian Federation property.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 5 vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: GMA241; GSA009; GMA313; GMA301; GMA241.
Fishing method: Gillnets, traps.
Certified species:

                                     Scientific name / Common name
                                     Perca fluviatilis / Perch
                                     Stizostedion lucioperca / Pike-perch
                                     Esox lucius / Pike

Management summary
The Ministry of Rural Affairs and the Environmental Inspectorate manage fisheries in the Peipus and Lämmi Lakes according to European law. By agreement between Estonia and Russia, there is a strict regulation on the maximum catch of different species in the fishing area. In order to monitor fishing activities, inspections in these areas are frequent.

Stock status summary
According to Tartu University and Estonian Marine Institute, Perch and Pike stocks are considered high and Pike-perch stock is considered moderate. The Estonian Environmental Inspectorate has implemented a database system, which is supplied with daily fishery data. At the end of each year, a report is prepared.

Bycatch / discards
The normally by-caught species are Abramis brama (Latikas), Lota lota (Luts), Rutilus rutilus (Särg), classified in the IUCN list as “Least concern”. According to the Daily Catching Reports of 2014 and 2015, the level of discard did not exceed 8%.

Habitat Impact
There are permanently restricted areas in Peipus and Lämmi lakes, as well as restricted areas for a certain period. Both restrictions are respected by vessels. Trawling is banned in the area to avoid the non-selective fishing and the impact on lakebed. According to the auditor, the fishing method is used according to licenses and it is not affecting the lakebed.

Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and Estonian regulations.

Conclusion with reasons for approval
The fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any major non-conformities.