Anchoa
Andrexport SARL
Species scientific names: Engraulis encrasicolus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
CFG Investment SAC
Species scientific names: Engraulis ringens
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
Corpesca SA
Species scientific names: Engraulis ringens- Trachurus murphyi
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
Corporacion Pesquera Inca SAC
Species scientific names: Engraulis ringens
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
Dalyan Su Unleri ve Gida San Nak
Species scientific names: Engraulis ringens
FAO area: 37
Fishing method: Purse seine
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/
Delicius Rizzoli S.P.A.
Species scientific names: Engraulis encrasicolus
FAO area: 37
Fishing method: Purse seine
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 –
Delimar S.A.
Species scientific names: Engraulis encrasicolus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
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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Cibel
Species scientific names: Engraulis encrasicolus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
Inversiones Prisco SAC
Species scientific names: Engraulis ringens
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
Pesce Azzurro Cefalù
Species scientific names: Engraulis encrasicolus
FAO area: 37
Fishing method: Purse seine
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
Pesquera Centinela SA.
Species scientific names: Engraulis ringens
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
Fishing area: FAO 87 Pacific, Southeast
Fishing method: Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name: Engraulis ringens Common name: Peruvian anchovy.
Management summary
The fishing of anchoveta in Peru is managed and controlled by the Peruvian Government, which establishes quotas and fishing seasons.
The IMARPE – Instituto del Mar del Peru is the agency that publishes research and fishing data about the main economic species of the region.
The Peruvian government following IMARPE recommendations determines the fishing seasons and quotas.
The government authorizes the fishing seasons for anchoveta by issuing a decree from the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE). There are two fishing seasons per year.
Stock status summary
The IMARPE possesses research boats that do investigation cruises to do stock assessments prior to determining the start and duration of the fishing season and the quotas.
The 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, to account for the rapid fluctuations in the natural biomass of this resource.
The 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, to account for the rapid fluctuations in the natural biomass of this resource.
The last IMARPE stock assessments showed a Biomass estimation of 7.180.472 metric tons for the second season of 2023.
In the interpretation of IMARPE, who issues the fishing quotas based on the constant monitoring of the stocks, E.ringens is not being overfished.
Bycatch/discards Imarpe has several research boats that do investigations about the target species on the Peruvian ocean to do an assessment of their stocks to release the fishing quotas.The fishing method used is the Purse Seine, where the net is closed into a circle, to catch the fish. 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. According to the sampling done by the organization and Produce`s inspectors, the bycatch is below 5% of the total.
Habitat impact: The fishing method used by Pesquera Centinela is the purse seine. The net measures on average 650 meters in length by 110 meters to 110 meters deep. The fishing is done in areas at five miles minimum distance from the shore. In this area, the sea bottom is much deeper than the depth of the nets. The nets almost never touch the bottom of the ocean.
Pesquera Diamante SA.
Species scientific names: Engraulis ringens
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
Pesquera Exalmar SAA
Species scientific names: Engraulis ringens
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
Pesquera Hayduk SA
Species scientific names: Engraulis ringens
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
TASA – Tecnologia de Alimentos S.A
Species scientific names: Engraulis ringens, Anchoa nasus
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
Basic description of the fleet/fishery
Fishery
client: TASA –
TECNOLOGIA DE ALIMENTOS S.A.
Fishing area: FAO area 87; Pacific,
Southeast.
Fishing method: Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name
/ Common name
Engraulis
ringens / Anchoveta,
Peruvian Anchovy
Anchoa
nasus / Anchoa
blanca, Longnose Anchovy
Management
summary
The fishing of anchoveta in Peru is managed and controlled by the
Peruvian Government, which establishes quotas and fishing seasons.The IMARPE –
Instituto del Mar del Peru is the agency that publishes research and fishing
unloading data on the country’s main economic species. The Peruvian government,
following IMARPE recommendations, determines the fishing seasons and quotas.
The government authorizes the fishing seasons by issuing a decree from the
Ministry of Production (PRODUCE).
Stock status
summary
The IMARPE owns research boats
that do investigation cruises to do a stock assessment before each fishing
season 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
before each fishing season, and monitoring of oceanographic conditions,
samplings for size structure and reproductive and somatic conditions, before
and during fishing seasons, to account for the rapid fluctuations in the
natural biomass of this resource.
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 into 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 human rights and Peruvian labour regulations.
Unimer Mehdia
Species scientific names: Engraulis encrasicolus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
Vanelli Maroc S.A.
Species scientific names: Engraulis encrasicolus
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: 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 –
Compañía Pesquera del Pacífico Centro S.A.
Species scientific names: Engraulis ringens
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
Fishing area: FAO 87 Pacific, Southeast
Fishing method: Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name: Engraulis ringens Common name: Peruvian anchovy.
Management summary
The management organizations of the Peruvian fisheries correspond to Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), Institute of the Sea of Peru (IMARPE), National Agency for Fisheries Health (SANIPES) and Regional Governments, within the scope of their functional competencies, are responsible for compliance with the provisions of this Regulation.
https://busquedas.elperuano.pe/normaslegales/reglamento-de-ordenamiento-pesquero-del-recurso-anchoveta-pa-decreto-supremo-n-005-2017-produce-1509249-2/
Stock status summary
Ministerial Resolution No. 00167/2022 issued by the Ministry of Production “Authorize the start of the First Fishing Season 2022 of the anchovy and white anchovy resource, in the maritime area between the extreme north of the domain of Peru and the 16°00’LS”, determined through 8 articles the anchovy fishery for 2022, demonstrates that the species is not over-exploited: “the acoustic biomass of the North-Center Stock of the anchovy amounted to 9,780,370 tons, which shows abundance of it”.
The Maximum Total Allowable Catch Limit of the North-Central Zone (LMTCP North-Center) of the resource anchovy (Engraulis ringens) and white anchovy (Anchoa nasus) for indirect human consumption, corresponding to the First Fishing Season 2022 of the Northern Zone -Centre, is two million seven hundred ninety-two thousand (2,792,000) tons.
https://busquedas.elperuano.pe/normaslegales/autorizan-el-inicio-de-la-primera-temporada-de-pesca-2022-de-resolucion-ministerial-no-00167-2022-produce-2063155-1/
https://cdn.www.gob.pe/uploads/document/file/3084651/INFORME%20EJECUTIVO%202202-04.pdf
Bycatch / discards
The resolution issued by the Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture number 10 of 01/29/2019 indicates the maximum percentages of accompanying fauna and species (accidental fishing), according to fishing gear and according to the resource extracted. This is based on the result of the “Discard investigation programs” and the “Disposal reduction and bycatch catch plans” completed in 2018. This administration measure has been communicated to the fishery’s technical scientific committees, who ensure the preservation of Peruvian resources based on world events. It is verified that the species described in this document are not part of the IUCN list.
In Perú the level of discards is determinated in Supreme decret Nº 005-2017, issued by PRODUCE. It establishes a minimum format and content of the protocols for handling of capture, discard and accidental fishing, described in article 8: Anchoveta Resource Conservation Measures.
During the audit, many documents called “cleat report” were randomly reviewed where it was possible to show that there were no discards. In addition, each fishing is monitored by satellite and the information sent by the vessel is immediately reviewed by the inspectors of the Ministry of Production, who are at each landing.
https://busquedas.elperuano.pe/normaslegales/reglamento-de-ordenamiento-pesquero-del-recurso-anchoveta-pa-decreto-supremo-n-005-2017-produce-1509249-2/
Habitat impact: This fishery uses purse seines, which do not interact with the seabed and hence have no negative impact.
CIA Pesquera Camanchaca
Species scientific names: Engraulis ringens
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
Delimar II
Species scientific names: Engraulis encrasicolus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
Industry Moroccan Anchovy SARL
Species scientific names: Engraulis encrasicolus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
Koptur Balikcilik Gida San Nak
Species scientific names: Engraulis encrasicolus
FAO area: 37
Fishing method: Purse seine
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/
Mediterranea Foods Srl.
Species scientific names: Engraulis encrasicolus
FAO area: 37
Fishing method: Purse seine
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
TASA – Tecnologia de Alimentos S.A – Breca Group.
Species scientific names: Engraulis ringens, Anchoa nasus
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
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 –
Zarotti SpA
Species scientific names: Engraulis encrasicolus
FAO area: 37
Fishing method: Purse seine
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
Austral Group S.A.A
Species scientific names: Engraulis ringens
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
Sea Products Ltd
Species scientific names: Engraulis encrasicolus
FAO area: 37
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.
Dromoni LLC
Species scientific names: Engraulis encrasicolus
FAO area: 37
Fishing method: Purse seine
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.