Sardine
Vanelli Maroc S.A.
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine – Pelagic trawl
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.
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine – Pelagic trawl
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.
ashaswi Fish Meal and Oil Company
Species scientific names: Sardina longiceps
FAO area: 51.4
Fishing method: Purse seine
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
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
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)
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus Scomber colias
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Initial Audit Report
Surveillance Audit Report
Recertification audit report
Corrective Action
Surveillance
Corrective acrion
Recertification
Corrective Action
Fishery client
Atlantic Sardine Anchovies Tan-Tan ASAT, Morocco.
Fishing area
FAO Fishing Area 34, in Moroccan Atlantic waters.
Fishing vessels
TATBIRTE, TAISSIR-2, JEAN MARIE, DINA-3, ADOUZ-1, SALAH, VILLE D’EL AYOUNE-2, ALGHOFRANE-1 and DOUMS.
Vessels were audited as a sample: TATBIRTE, TAISSIR-2, VILLE D’EL AYOUNE-2 and DINA-3.
Fishing method
Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name / Common name
Sardina pilchardus / European sardine
Scomber colias / Atlantic chub mackerel
Management summary
The fishery is managed under the Moroccan fisheries legal framework by the Ministry responsible for fisheries, represented locally by the Maritime Fisheries Delegation (DPM) and the National Fisheries Office (ONP). Scientific information, biomass monitoring and management recommendations are provided by the National Institute for Fisheries Research (INRH). The management system includes annual vessel registration and licensing, vessel- and season-specific fishing quotas, landing declarations, controls of declared quantities at the port, VMS monitoring, minimum legal sizes, regulated mesh sizes, fishing-area restrictions and controls against IUU fishing. Management measures and quotas are reviewed for each fishing season. The audit also states that discrepancies greater than 10% between the quantity declared before unloading and the quantity recorded by the ONP weighbridge may result in penalties.
Stock status summary
Mackerel is described as fully exploited but not overexploited, with a biomass indicator (Bcur/B0.1) between 83% and 94%. A reduction in catch levels is recommended, and a management programme and biological closure in January are mentioned. For sardine, biomass, FMSY and BMSY are monitored.
Bycatch/discards
Accidental catch and discard information is declared at landing to the ONP and processed through the port information system. The audit states that accidental catches and discards are limited to 2%, and that permitted and prohibited species are identified in the fishing licence and national regulations. Vessels are required to declare accidental catches and the quantities and species caught during each fishing trip.
Habitat impact
Purse seine gear is described as operating without contact with the seabed, so direct impacts on benthic habitats are considered negligible. Fishing areas are controlled through licences and VMS, and the audit states that fishing in protected areas is prohibited and monitored by the competent authorities.
Social accountability performance
Compliance with Moroccan labour legislation and applicable ILO conventions, including requirements relating to minimum working age and child labour. Employees are reported to receive legal wages, and crew members undergo mandatory annual medical examinations. Sailors are provided with social and medical coverage, and their medical fitness is confirmed through validation of the sailor card. Safety measures are mandatory for fishing vessels, crew members receive training through the fishing institute, all crew members are declared to the DPM, and annual technical inspections include verification of vessel safety conditions. Accidents and injuries are recorded and reported to the port. The audit also confirms freedom of association, prohibition of forced labour and discrimination, clean and habitable vessels and compliance with rest periods. It states that normal working hours are applied and that no overtime is performed. The unit of certification reported a total of 300 employees.
Cibel S.A.
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
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
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Pelagic trawl
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
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Pelagic trawl
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)
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
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
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
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
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
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)
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Sardina pilchardus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: Union des Pecheries Africaines.
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 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 stock is improving as compared the 2013assessment and the stock is considered non-fully exploited. Still, CECAF 2015 Committee recommends the adoption of a precautionary approach setting a catch limit of around 550,000 tonnes. In zone C, the stock is not fully exploited and it is not overfished.
Bycatch / discards
The ONP officer records all the discards. No accidental catches are included in the IUCN Red list. The gears are very selective and the level of discard allowed is less than 3%. If a large predator is arriving in the net, the seine is not closed and the animal is released alive to the sea.
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). 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. All the vessels are fishing with purse seine and pelagic trawler. The two gears have no effect on 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.
Corpesca SA
Species scientific names: Sardinops sagax
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Species: Sardinops sagax
Gear type: Purse seine
Fishing Area: FAO 87 Pacific Southeast
Fishery management:
The control of regulatory measures, including the annual fishing quota is carried out by the National Service of Fishing (SERNAPESCA). In addition, the Service is in charge of keeping official Chilean fishing statistics. The RMFO in place is the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization. The South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation is an inter-governmental organisation that is committed to the long-term conservation and sustainable use of the fishery resources of the South Pacific Ocean and, in so doing, safeguarding the marine ecosystems in which the resources occur.
The SPRFMO Convention applies to the high seas of the South Pacific, covering about a fourth of the Earth’s high seas areas. The Organisation consists of a Commission and a number of subsidiary bodies. New Zealand is the Depositary for the SPRFMO Convention and hosts the SPRFMO Secretariat in Wellington. https://www.sprfmo.int/
Stock Status:
The status of the anchovy and sardine stock indicates that it is in a condition of under-exploitation and without overfishing, or according to the latest evaluation carried out by the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP), which was endorsed by the Small Pelagic Scientific Technical Committee and published by the Undersecretariat of Fisheries.
The spawning biomass of the three pelagic stock is located above the biomass of the maximum sustainable yield (BRMS), which indicates that its status is under-exploited for anchovy and sardine and full exploitation for Jurel 95% and caballa 5%.
Bycatch/discards
Documents are public through the website of the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Institute of Fisheries promotion (IFOP). Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture SUBPESCA https://www.subpesca.cl/portal/616/w3-channel.html and Instituto de Fomento Pesquero IFOP https://www.ifop.cl. According to the regulations, discard is prohibited. However, due to force major (for the safety of the ship or the crew) is sometimes inevitably done. The fishing authority estimates it annually and in the case of the If it happens, anchovy is discounted from the annual catch quota and is around 3%.
Mediterranea Foods Srl.
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 37.2.1
Fishing method: Purse seine
Italy – Purse seine – Sardina pilchardus – FAO 37 (Mediterranean and Black sea)
Fishery client: Mediterranea Foods S.r.l.
Fishing area: FAO 37, Adriatic (Division 37.2.1).
Fishing vessels: The Company has one artisanal vessel.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 7AN816.
Fishing method: Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name: Sardina pilchardus;
Common name: Sarda.
Management summary
In Italy, the fishery policy is implemented through the Directorate General for Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies (MIPAAF) and by the Directorate for Fisheries of the regional administrations, with the support of services provided by decentralized offices (Marine Coastal Guard). Small-scale or artisanal fishing refers to fishing boats with less than 12 meter in length, using passive gears, involving day trips with a minimal crew (one or two fishermen). The audited company has this format; it is in accordance with the current legislation operating with a single boat, with fishing capacity of 10/12 tons, in which the owner is part of the crew.
Stock status summary
Several reports present information on the stock of the species. However, as the audited company corresponds to artisanal fishing, with a fishing capacity of 10/12 tonnes and without a refrigeration system. Thus, it does not pose risks to the fish stock.
Bycatch / discards
The fishery has a procedure for recording discards, complying with a request from the port landing authority. In the last year, there was no record of discards.
Habitat Impact
The owner of the vessel has operated for about 50 years in the fishing zone. The fishery occurs 3 miles from shore up to a maximum of 40 miles, outside of Marine Protected Areas. Purse seine fishing almost never touch the bottom of the ocean causing a negligible impact. The purse seine used in the fishery has 19 mm mesh (14 is the minimum by law), 120 m of height and 400 m of length.
Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and Italian labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
The fishery complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformity.
Belma S.A.
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic trawler – Sardina pilchardus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: BELMA.
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: 8-819; 11-284; 8-945; 8-984.
Fishing method: Purse seine, Pelagic trawler.
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 Moroccan waters, sardine does not result fully exploited. 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
The ONP officer records all the discards. No accidental catches are included in the IUCN Red list. The gears are very selective and the level of discard allowed is less than 3%. If any dolphin occurs in the seine, it is released alive at the sea.
Habitat Impact
Fishing is prohibited in Marine Protected Areas and all the vessels equipped with Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) are controlled by the central control of Rabat. The fishery occurs 3 miles from the shore respecting a minimum catch size of 45 pieces per kg in zone A and B and 40 pieces kg in zone C. The impact of the fishery on the seabed is negligible, as it is targeting just pelagic species with pelagic gears. Purse seiner and pelagic trawler have not contact with 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.
LGMC Industries
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Pelagic Trawl – Sardina pilchardus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: LGMC Industries.
Website: www.lgmc-industrie.com
Fishing area: FAO 34, Division 34.1.1, and Subdivision 34.1.13.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 2 vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 12-93
.
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. Currently, it is recommended that the catch should not exceed 200,000 tonnes, but the government is studying the possibility of increasing the quota to 250,000 tonnes.
Bycatch / discards
All vessels are required to report bycatches to DPM. Bycatch is regulated by local law, annexed to the license provided to vessels, and authorized quantity is 2% of total catches. The fleet is keeping daily records and no accidental catches are included in the IUCN Red list.
Habitat Impact
There is no fishing in Marine Protected Areas. These areas are prohibited throughout the year, which is mentioned in the fishing license. The authorities monitor all vessels. The fishery occurs 8 miles from the shore with selective gears (mesh size 40 mm). All the vessels are fishing with pelagic trawl, 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 major and minor non-conformities (concerns related to current data on inventories, procedures for lost fishing devices, 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.
Nouvelle Societe Amadir*
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Sepomer
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Sardina pilchardus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: SEPOMER SAHARA.
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: 8-966; 12-80; 8-957; 12-44; 6/2-118; 5-212; 11-287.
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. In Zone C, sardine is not overfished.
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 major and minor non-conformities (failures related to the use of logbook 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.
Silver Food
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Sardina pilchardus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: SILVER FOOD.
Website: www.silver-food.com
Fishing area: FAO 34, Eastern Central Atlantic Waters; 1.12, 1.13, 1.31.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of ___ vessels.
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 is checked by MADRPM and managed by the National Research Institute for Fisheries (INRH). In zones A and B, the sardine stock is considered overexploited and overfished. On the other hand, in zone C, it is considered fully exploited, but not overfished.
Bycatch / discards
The fishing method is very selective; the schools are well identified with the seine and the pelagic trawl. With the seine, false catches are the other pelagic species (Sardinella aurita and Belone belone). The percentage is always less than 8%. With the pelagic trawl, bycatch is Dentex gibbosus, Pagellus erythrinus, Euthynnus alletteratus. There are no discards, since all accidental catches are marketed. Sorting is done at the processing plant. The level of discard is always between 2 and 4%.
Habitat Impact
There is no fishing in Marine Protected Areas, since the authorities monitor the vessels. The fishery occurs 6 miles from the shore with selective gears (mesh size 9 mm, 75 m of height, and 750 m of length). In zones A and B, fishing is done with purse seiners. In Zone C, fishing is done with pelagic trawlers (refrigerated with Freon R 22). 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 major non-conformities (concerns related to fish stocks), the fleet complied with Friend of the Sea requirements. The certification approval considers that the company complies with all restrictions imposed by the local government.
Societé Nouvelle Aveiro Maroc
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus Scomber colias
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine - Pelagic trawl
Fishery client
Ste Nouvelle Aveiro Maroc.
Morocco.
Fishing area
FAO Major Fishing Area 34.
Fishing vessels
EL FALLAH-4, QUBA, AL BORAQ, MOUAATAZ BILLAH, ZAM ZAM-2 and JALOUA-2.
Fishing method
Pelagic trawl and Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name / Common name
Sardina pilchardus / European sardine
Scomber colias / Atlantic chub mackerel
Management summary
The fishery is managed nationally by the Moroccan fisheries ministry through the Maritime Fisheries Delegation (DPM) and the National Fisheries Office (ONP), using scientific information provided by the National Institute for Fisheries Research (INRH). Scientific advice for Northwest African small pelagic stocks is also available through the FAO/CECAF regional assessment framework.
Management measures include annual vessel licensing and quota review, TACs and vessel-specific quotas, mandatory catch declarations, landing controls, VMS monitoring, legal mesh and net requirements, minimum landing sizes, seasonal biological closures and sanctions for non-compliance. Once a vessel quota is reached, ONP may require fishing operations to stop.
Fishing trips and landed quantities are registered through ONP. Logbooks are mandatory for trawlers, while information from traditional pelagic vessels is recorded at landing and incidents must be reported to the port captain. The Samakna digital system is used to monitor fishing quantities and support traceability throughout the supply chain. Management measures, licences and quotas are reviewed for each fishing season.
Stock status summary
Based on INRH information and the 2019 FAO Working Group assessment for Northwest African small pelagics, the stocks are not fully exploited. For mackerel, the results show that the resources are fully exploited, but not in overexploitation; the working group recommends reducing the catching level. The recommendations are taken into consideration in the management plan and a biological shutdown is observed.
Bycatch/discards
Moroccan regulations establish a maximum level of 2% for accidental catches and discards. Allowed and prohibited species are identified in fishing licences, catches and incidental species are declared to the DPM at landing, and trawlers record discards in their logbooks. Sonar and catch checks before loading are used to reduce unwanted catches. The IUCN status of sardine and mackerel does not replace an assessment of the conservation status of the species caught incidentally.
Habitat impact
Purse seine and pelagic trawl gear are intended to operate in the water column, so direct impacts on benthic habitats are considered low. Permitted fishing gear, net dimensions and mesh sizes are checked by port authorities, and vessels undergo regular technical inspections.
Fishing areas and distance-from-shore limits are established in vessel licences. VMS is mandatory, and vessel positions and compliance with protected-area restrictions are monitored through ONP, the Royal Navy and the Royal Gendarmerie. Purse-seine vessels operate within specified coastal distances, while fishing in protected zones is prohibited.
Social accountability performance
The company reported 953 employees. Labour conditions are governed by Moroccan labour and maritime legislation and relevant ILO principles. Crew members undergo annual medical examinations, hold medically validated sailor cards and have access to social and medical coverage. Maritime safety training is required before embarkation, crew members are declared to the DPM for each trip, and vessel technical inspections include safety controls.
Accidents and injuries are recorded and reported to the port authorities. Freedom of association is permitted, forced labour and discrimination are prohibited, and working time and rest periods are regulated. The inspected vessel was described as clean and rest periods were respected.
Legal wages are applied.
Sovapec Maromega
Species scientific names: Sardina pilchardus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine – Sardina pilchardus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: SOVAPEC & MAROMEGA.
Fishing area: FAO 34, Eastern Central Atlantic Waters; Zones A, B and C..
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 79 vessels..
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 11-221; 6/1-205..
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 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 tonnes.
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. According to FAO 2005 update on discards, weighted discard rate for purse seining on small pelagic is 1.6%. Purse seine fishing method used its very selective (mesh size 6 mm, 75 m of height, and 675 m of length). Local authority controls bycatch species at landing. 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. The nets almost never touch the bottom of the ocean. The fishing method has no impact on the seabed, spawning and nursery grounds.
Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and Moroccan labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
Despite of major and minor non-conformities (failures related to the use of logbook 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.
Ikeshita Sangyo Co., Ltd.
Species scientific names: Sardinops melanostictus
FAO area: 61
Fishing method: Purse seine
Fishery client
Ikeshita Sangyo Co.
Japan
Fishing area
FAO Major Fishing Area 61
Fishing vessels
IMO 8986420 / SO1-1218, IMO 9606730 / FS1-661.
Fishing method
Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name / Common name
Sardinops melanostictus / Japanese sardine
Management summary
The stock is managed nationally by the Fisheries Agency of Japan (FAJ), with annual assessments by the Fisheries Research and Education Agency (FRA). The system includes harvest control rules, biological reference points and TAC allocation. Regional cooperation is provided through the North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC), including CMM 2024-11. Compliance controls include vessel licensing, catch and effort reporting, port inspections, closed areas and seasons, gear rules and sanctions.
Stock status summary
The 2024 FRA assessment concluded that the Pacific stock was neither overexploited nor overfished. F/FMSY was 0.77. Spawning stock biomass in 2023 was 2.791 million tonnes, above the 1.187 million-tonne target reference point, the audit reports B/BMSY = 1.30. The stock has continued recovering since 2010.
Bycatch/discards
Bycatch is recorded through data sheets, video monitoring, and landing-site sampling. Accidental catch represented about 1.7% of total catch in 2024, mainly chub mackerel. Ocean sunfish, blue shark, Pacific bluefin tuna, yellowtail, starspotted smooth-hound shark, unidentified skates/rays and seabirds occurred at very low levels; species classified as Vulnerable or higher risk remained far below the 0.25% threshold. Video monitoring covered 66 of 76 sets
Habitat impact
Purse seine gear operates in the water column and normally does not contact the seabed, so direct impacts on benthic habitats and vulnerable marine ecosystems are considered low. Vessels maintain multi-year monitoring to confirm that seabed contact does not occur and avoid shallow areas where nets could become entangled. Fishing activity is also monitored through video recordings, which covered 86% of fishing sets in 2024. The information collected is used to identify potential ecosystem interactions and improve mitigation measures, including the installation of sorting grates to prevent large non-target species from entering the fish wells. The fishing grounds are located within Japan’s EEZ and do not overlap designated Marine Protected Areas.
Social accountability performance
Compliance with Japanese labour law and ILO principles. Crew records confirmed no minors. Hamahei Maru pays a JPY 250,000 monthly base plus a performance component; Suya Shoten uses share-based wages. Crews have health insurance and workers’ compensation, with life jackets, helmets, accident reporting, and injury records. Freedom of association, voluntary employment, non-discrimination, daily cleaning, and free time outside fishing operations were reported.