Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd. (MIFCO) has achieved Friend of the Sea certification for its hand line fleet. Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from the certified vessels operating in Western Indian Ocean (FAO area 51) is now authorized to carry the Friend of the Sea eco-label. MIFCO has successfully completed the assessment against FOS standard for sustainable and well managed fisheries.
Targeted tuna stock of yellowfin is considered to be not overexploited according to the latest assessments. No protected areas, such as corals and seamounts, are affected by the fishing activity. The fleet operates within 100km to 250 km away from the shore. The company is also approved Dolphin-Safe by the Earth Island Institute.
MIFCO has a traceability system in place and it can demonstrate which products originate from the Friend of the Sea approved fleet. The inspected vessels are registered under Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture (MOFA). The company checks the vessel registration copy and fishery license before purchasing the fish.
“Friend of the Sea audit requirements are very strict so we are proud to have obtained the certification”, explains Mr. Adley Ismail, CEO of MIFCO. “We will continue to rely on Friend of the Sea to increase the number of certified vessels.”
MORE INFORMATION
Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd.
Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd. (Mifco), the pioneer and leading force in the Maldivian fisheries industry commenced its operation with over three decades of expertise as a processor and exporter of tuna, on November 1993. Today the Company boasts of decades of experience and knowledgebase of the industry, through which it leads and contributes to shaping the future of this promising industry.
www.mifco.com.mv
info@mifco.com.mv
Friend of the Sea
Friend of the Sea is an international certification program for products from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Over 350 companies in more than 50 countries have relied on Friend of the Sea to assess the sustainability of their seafood origins. Audits, based on best and most updated available scientific data, are run by accredited independent certification bodies.
www.friendofthesea.org
info@friendofthesea.org
