World-leading certification standard concludes revision process and publishes updated Wild Caught Standard and Audit Guidance
Friend of the Sea, the world’s leading certification standard for products and services that respect and protect the marine environment, has concluded the revision process and published version v.4 of its Wild Caught Standard and v.2 of its Audit Guidance. The organization sought and received expert input from a task force of scientific stakeholders on these standards for the last six months. They have been improved based on the best scientific evidence available.
“These updated standards are at the heart of what we do,” said Paolo Bray, Director of Friend of the Sea. “With the input of the best minds in the field, we are adapting our process for certifying wild catches and beyond.”
The new Wild Caught Standard and Audit Guidance documents are available on the Friend of the Sea website. The organization’s Technical Committee voted to approve the new Wild Caught Standard and audit guidance. Both achieved a majority of positive votes. Accredia also validated the new documents.
The new standard is part of the organization’s Sustainable Fisheries and Fleets program. The program’s goals include improving the health of the ocean and reducing damage to species and the marine environment caused by commercial fishing operations. The updated Wild Caught Standard has changes that include banning shark finning and ghost fishing gears while requiring TEDs (Turtle Excluder Devices). The new standard will become mandatory after a three-year transition period.
Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to contact Friend of the Sea at quality@friendofthesea.org.
