Maquereau
(Hareng, sprat, menhaden)
Delimar S.A
Species scientific name: Scomber colias
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: Scomber colias;
Common name: Mackerel.
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 2014, small pelagic biomass represented the average of the last 15 years. In 2016, the reported production of mackerel in the Moroccan zone was 305,759 tonnes, representing 21% of the catches. Most of the small pelagic catches are made in the Southern area (Cape Bojdor – Cap Blanc), with mackerel representing 25% (206,015 tonnes) of the catches. In the Central area, mackerel represents 14% of the catches. The minimum legal size of mackerel is 20–21 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.
Damsa S.A.
Species scientific names: Scomber colias, Scomber japonicus, Scomber scombrus
FAO area: 34
Fishing methods: 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 names: Scomber scombrus: Scomber colias; Scomber japonicas.
Common name: Mackerel.
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 name: Scomber colias
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: Scomber colias;
Common name: Mackerel.
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 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, the mackerel stock is fully exploited in zones A, B, and C. The minimum size established for capture is 19 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.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
The fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformities.
Austral Group S.A.A.
Species scientific name: Scomber japonicus peruanus
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
Peru – Purse seine – Scomber japonicus – FAO 87 (Pacific, Southeast)
Fishery client: AUSTRAL GROUP S.A.A.
Fishing area: FAO 87, Southeast Pacific.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 21 vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 50608-PM; 13012-PM; 18812-PM; 15724; 15652.
Fishing method: Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name: Scomber japonicus;
Common name: Caballa / Chub mackerel
Management summary
The Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) is the government agency that manages fisheries in Peru. Peruvian fishing vessels are real time monitored by Satellite. All fishing vessels 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 State makes decisions regarding the use rational fishery resources establishing fishing quotas. There is no fishing season for Caballa, only a limit of capture, which is established by a decree.
Stock status summary
Stock status is assessed based on real-time monitoring, which consists of direct estimates of biomass and distribution from acoustic surveys prior to each fishing season. In addition, it includes a monitoring of oceanographic conditions, samplings for size structure and reproductive and somatic conditions, before and during fishing seasons. A fishing quota for 2017 was determined to be 110,000 mt, against a stock assessment of 340,907 mt. Thus, the species is considered not overexploited and the stock is not being overfished.
Bycatch / discards
The fishing method used is the Purse Seine, where the net is closed into a circle, in order 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. Almost no bycatch occurs, being the level of discards estimated to be 1.52%.
Habitat Impact
The fishing fleet complies with the limits of the fishing zone determined by the Peruvian Government. The net measures are between 895 meters to 1303m in length and 87 meters to 121 meters in depth. Fishing occurs in areas within 5 miles of 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. The impact on the water column is also considered minimum.
Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and Peruvian labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
The fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any major non-conformities.
Pesquera Diamante SA.
Species scientific names: Scomber japonicus, Trachurus murphyi
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
CIA Pesquera Camanchaca
Species scientific names: Scomber japonicus, Trachurus murphyi
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
Chile – Purse seine – Scomber japonicus, Trachurus murphyi – FAO 87 (Pacific, Southeast)
Fishery client: Cia. Pesquera Camanchaca S.A.
Website: www.camanchaca.cl
Fishing area: FAO 87, Southeast Pacific.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 12 industry vessels and 4 artesanal vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 2821; 2555; 2276; 2339; 2340; 953602.
Fishing method: Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name / Common name
Scomber japonicus / Caballa
Trachurus murphyi / Jurel
Management summary
In Chile, production operates under a General Fishing Law, which had several modifications (Law N.18892/1989, Law N.19079/1991, Law N.19080/1991, Law N.20625/2012, Law N.20657/2013). The Chilean National Fish Service (SERNAPESCA) is responsible for the monitoring, control, surveillance and enforcement of responsible fishing. All fishing landings are audited by an external entity, which certifies the amounts received. In the case of Jurel fishing, there is an annual quota system and a minimum catch size of 26 cm established by the local regulation. In the case of Caballa fishing, there is no quota and the extraction period covers the whole year.
Stock status summary
In accordance with the Decree #965/2016, Jurel stock is in full exploitation regime. The Maximum Sustainable Yield corresponds to a maximum level of 483,000 tons for the stock of FAO area 87. The recommended catch range for the stock is 394,000 to 493,000 tons. According to the IUCN, this species is in a “Not known” condition. In the case of Caballa, based on reviewed background, stock is not indicated to be overexploited. According to the IUCN, this species is in a “stable” condition.
Bycatch / discards
The main target species of the fleet is Anchoveta (object of another audit process); with an average level higher than 98% of the total catch. The remainder, considered as bycatch, is composed of the other two species included in the scope of this audit. Fishing gear and procedures used ensure that the capture of specimens not allowed is minimized.
Habitat Impact
Each vessel has a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), which is connected with the maritime authority (online) in order to control the intrusion of Marine Protected Areas. Purse seine fishing almost never touch the bottom of the ocean causing a negligible impact.
Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and Chilean labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
Despite of major non-conformities (failures in procedures related to accidental catches, waste and energy consumption), 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.
Corpesca S.A./Serenor S.A.
Species scientific names: Scomber japonicus peruanus, Trachurus murphyi
FAO area: 87
Fishing method: Purse seine
Chile – Purse seine – Scomber japonicus, Trachurus murphyi – FAO 87 (Pacific, Southeast)
Fishery client: Corpesca S.A.
Fishing area: FAO 87, Southeast Pacific.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 50 industry vessels and 51 artisanal vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 2570; 2667; 2632; 2254; 2690; 2236; 2399; 3060; 3150; 757; 740; 3123; 2533.
Fishing method: Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name / Common name
Scomber japonicus / Caballa / Mackerel
Trachurus murphyi / Jurel
Management summary
In Chile, production operates under a General Fishing Law, which had several modifications (Law N.18892/1989, Law N.19079/1991, Law N.19080/1991, Law N.20625/2012, Law N.20657/2013). The Chilean National Fish Service (SENARPESCA) is responsible for the monitoring, control, surveillance and enforcement of responsible fishing. All fishing landings are audited by an external entity, which certifies the amounts received. In the case of Jurel fishing, there is an annual quota system established by the local regulation. In the case of Caballa fishing, there is no quota and the extraction period covers the whole year.
Stock status summary
In accordance with the Decree #965/2016, Jurel stock is in full exploitation regime. The Maximum Sustainable Yield corresponds to a maximum level of 483,000 tons for the stock of FAO area 87. The recommended catch range for the stock is 394,000 to 493,000 tons. According to the IUCN, this species is in a “Not known” condition. In the case of Caballa, based on reviewed background, stock is not indicated to be overexploited. According to the IUCN, this species is in a “stable” condition.
Bycatch / discards
The main target species of the fleet is Anchoveta (object of another audit process); with an average level higher than 98% of the total catch. The remainder, considered as bycatch, is composed of the other two species included in the scope of this audit. Fishing gear and procedures used ensure that the capture of specimens not allowed is minimized. Records indicate that bycatch generally correspond to Jurel, Caballa, Sardine, and other species.
Habitat Impact
Each vessel has a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), which is connected with the maritime authority (online) in order to control the intrusion of Marine Protected Areas. Purse seine fishing almost never touch the bottom of the ocean causing a negligible impact.
Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and Chilean labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
Despite of two major non-conformities (failures in the documentation of garbage disposal and accidental catches), the fleet complied with Friend of the Sea requirements. The procedure of non-conformity was closed when the company sent a document showing that the irregularities pointed out by the auditor were being corrected.
Gencoal S.A.
Species scientific names: Scomber colias, Scomber japonicus
FAO area: 27
Fishing method: Purse seine
Portugal – Purse seine – Scomber colias, Scomber japonicus – FAO 27 (Atlantic, Northeast)
Fishery client: Gencoal S.A.
Fishing area: Atlantic Iberian waters (ICES Divisions VIIIc and IXa).
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of ____ vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: PV 297 C; PV 296 C.
Fishing method: Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name / Common name
Scomber colias / Atlantic chub mackerel
Scomber japonicus / Caballa / Mackerel
Management summary
The main institution responsible for fisheries management in Portugal is the Directorate-General of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGPA), in association with the Assistant-Secretariat of State and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests. The National Institute of Agriculture Research and Fisheries (INIA-IPIMAR) is responsible for fish stock assessments within the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) frameworks. The audited fleet operates in accordance with European legislation and respects the requirements made by Portugal and the European Community.
Stock status summary
Both species are not the main target fishing of the fleet, being only fished in certain seasons as complements. In order to assess fish stocks, INIA-IPIMAR and ICES uses information collected during research surveys and in fishing ports, as well as the catch statistics provided by DGPA. According to an ICES report of 2010, the stock of both species are not overexploited. Still, stocks are not overexploited, since the total biomass is greater than necessary to ensure the sustainability of the resource. Users declare that the fishery is abundant and the catches increase every year.
Bycatch / discards
The fleet operates with the purse seine fishing method and no discards are generated, since all species caught are of commercial value.
Habitat Impact
In Portugal, there are two Marine Protected Areas (Berlengas and Arrábida). The fleet can only pass through these areas, since fishing is prohibited. Portuguese regulations indicate that purse seine fishing cannot operate 1 mile offshore or less than 20 meters deep. The fleet complies with all requirements and have measures to prevent, as far as possible, the purse seine from touching the bottom.
Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and with European and national labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
Despite of a major non-conformity (failures related to the type of gas used in the air conditioning of the vessels), the fleet complied with Friend of the Sea requirements. The procedure of non-conformity was closed when the company sent a document showing that the irregularity pointed out by the auditor was being corrected.
Mediterranea Foods Srl
Species scientific name: Scomber japonicus colias
FAO area: 37.2.1
Fishing method: Purse seine
Italy – Purse seine – Scomber japonicus colias – 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.
Vessel audited on site: 7AN816.
Fishing method: Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name: Scomber japonicus colias
Common name: Lanzardo / Mackerel.
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 fishery complies with the human rights and with European and national labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
The fishery complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformity.
Atlantic Sardine Anchovies Tan Tan (ASAT)
Species scientific name: Scomber japonicus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine – Scomber japonicus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: ATLANTIQUE SARDINE ANCHOVY TANTAN.
Fishing area: FAO 34, Eastern Central Atlantic Waters; Zones B and C, Tan Tan zone.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of ____ vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 7-886; 12-66; 12-81; 8-958; 7-756; 12-68; 7/1-187; 11-137; 10-62; 3/3-166; 11-249.
Fishing method: Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name: Scomber japonicus;
Common name: Mackerel.
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
A precautionary approach is in place to protect the stock under consideration. 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. According to them, Mackerel stock is fully exploited, but is not overfished. The recommendation is to not exceed the mean level of the last five years (280,000 tonnes in 2014) for the whole sub-region.
Bycatch / discards
All the bycatches are recorded by ONP at the unloading, checking the compliance to the fishing license. According to the DPM, no accidental catches are included on the IUCN Red list. The fishing method is very selective (mesh size 30 mm, 140 m of height, and 1000 m of length) and if any dolphin occurs in the seine, it is released alive at the sea. Level of discard allowed is less than 3%.
Habitat Impact
The impact of the fishery on the seabed is negligible, as it only targets pelagic species, caught with purse seines, and without any contact with the seabed. The fishery occurs only in regulated areas 3 miles from the shore and complies with the regulation of Marine Protected Areas, as reported on the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) of all vessels.
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.
Belma S.A.
Species scientific name: Scomber japonicus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine – Scomber japonicus – 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.
Certified species: Scientific name: Scomber japonicus;
Common name: Mackerel.
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 the governmental strategy for the development and the promotion of the competitiveness of the Moroccan fisheries sector. 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 royal navy patrols the national waters to avoid illegal fishing.
Stock status summary
The Maximum Sustainable Yield calculated in the assessment of the small pelagic is fixed to a precautionary level in order to consider the impacts on the ecosystem. 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. According to them, Mackerel stock is fully exploited, but is not overfished. The recommendation is to not exceed the mean level of the last five years (280,000 tonnes in 2014) for the whole sub-region.
Bycatch / discards
All the bycatches are recorded by ONP at the unloading, checking the compliance to the fishing license. According to the DPM, no accidental catches are included on the IUCN Red list. The fishing method is very selective (mesh size 30 mm, 140 m of height, and 1000 m of length) and if any dolphin occurs in the seine, it is released alive at the sea. Level of discard allowed is less than 3%.
Habitat Impact
The impact of the fishery on the seabed is negligible, as it only targets pelagic species, caught with purse seines, and without any contact with the seabed. The fishery occurs only in regulated areas 3 miles from the shore and complies with the regulation of Marine Protected Areas, as reported on the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) of all vessels.
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.
Group King Pelagique
Species scientific names: Scomber japonicus colias, Trachurus trachurus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Pelagic trawl
Morocco – Pelagic Trawl – Scomber japonicus, Scomber colias, Trachurus trachurus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: BENIS PECHE, GROUP KING PELAGIQUE.
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 / Common name
Scomber japonicus / Mackerel
Scomber colias / Mackerel
Trachurus trachurus / Atlantic horse mackerel
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). Results indicate that stocks of mackerel are fully exploited. Per year, a quota of 20,000 tons is given to each vessel. Mackerel stocks are considered not overfished.
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 name: Scomber japonicus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Scomber japonicus – 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: Scomber japonicus;
Common name: Mackerel.
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). A quota system is in place in zone C, while in zone A and B a management plan is under discussion in the Moroccan parliament. The two zones are managed with a biological stop for fishing of two months. Results indicate that stocks of mackerel are fully exploited and considered as not overfished.
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 Ship 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.
LGMC Industries
Species scientific name: Scomber colias
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Scomber japonicus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: LGMC Industries.
Fishing area: FAO 34, Eastern Central Atlantic Waters; 1.31; 1.32.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 75 small seiners and 23 large trawlers.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 7393105 V3MA8.
Fishing method: Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl.
Certified species: Scientific name: Scomber japonicus;
Common name: Mackerel.
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). Mackerel is considered fully exploited all over the coast of Morocco. Mackerel fishing effort should not be increased.
Bycatch / discards
The schools are well identified and the fishing method is very selective. The species objects of occasional capture are small pelagic. 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, as reported on the Ship Monitoring System (VMS) of all vessels. The fishery occurs from 4 (small seiners ) to 8 (large trawlers) miles from the shore with selective gears (mesh size 42 mm, 16 m of height, and 600 m of length). All the vessels are fishing with purse seine and pelagic trawler, 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
The fishery complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformity.
Merveilles des Mers
Species scientific name: Scomber japonicus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Scomber japonicus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: MERVEILLES DES MERS.
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: Scomber japonicus;
Common name: Mackerel.
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 every year by MADRPM and managed by the National Research Institute for Fisheries (INRH). It is recommended that the catch should not exceed 200,000 tonnes and the minimum size allowed for mackerel is 14 pieces per kg. The current level of exploitation is about 23% lower than the available. The results show that the stock is fully exploited, but 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. 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 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. At sea, the Royal Navy and the Royal Gendarmerie supervise the fleet, by patrol and surveillance aircraft. 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 fleet 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.
Nouvelle Societe Amadir
Species scientific name: Scomber japonicus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Scomber japonicus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: NOUVELLE SOCIETE AMADIR.
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: 8-421; 11-127; 6/2-118; 8-1041; 6-889; 11-275; 8-840; 8-981.
Fishing method: Purse Seine, Pelagic Trawl.
Certified species: Scientific name: Scomber japonicus;
Common name: Mackerel.
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 every year by MADRPM and managed by the National Research Institute for Fisheries (INRH). Results of a comprehensive evaluation model indicate that small pelagic stocks of mackerel are fully exploited at A, B, and C zone. It is recommended that the catch should not exceed 200,000 tonnes. In Zone C, Mackerel 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. Bycatch is regulated by local law, annexed to the license provided to vessels, and is established at 3% 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, which are declared on the fishing license and 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 14 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 (concerns related to rights of seasonal workers and 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.
Oceamic Laayoune II
Species scientific name: Scomber japonicus colias
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Scomber japonicus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: OCEAMIC LAAYOUNE II.
Fishing area: FAO 34, Eastern Central Atlantic Waters; Zones 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: Scomber japonicus;
Common name: Mackerel.
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 every year by MADRPM and managed by the National Research Institute for Fisheries (INRH). Results of a comprehensive evaluation model indicate that stocks of mackerel are fully exploited in zone C, but not overfished. It is recommended that the catch should not exceed 200,000 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. 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 is established at 3% 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, which are declared on the fishing license and 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 14 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.
Silver Food
Species scientific name: Scomber japonicus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Scomber japonicus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: SILVER FOOD.
Fishing area: FAO 34, Eastern Central Atlantic Waters; 1.12, 1.13, and 1.31.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of ___ vessels.
Fishing method: Purse Seine, Pelagic Trawl.
Certified species: Scientific name: Scomber japonicus;
Common name: Mackerel.
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 every year by MADRPM and managed by the National Research Institute for Fisheries (INRH). Mackerel is considered fully exploited throughout the Moroccan coast. The competent agencies are implementing a series of policies to reduce fishing effort, such as a ban on pelagic trawls in zones A and B and set of fishing quotas for each fishery. The mackerel fishing effort should not be increased.
Bycatch / discards
The schools are well identified and the fishing method is very selective. Bycatch species caught with purse seine are Sardinella aurita and Belone belone, while with pelagic trawl are Dentex gibbosus, Pagellus erythrinus, and 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 vessels and fishing zones are controlled by the ONP. The fishery occurs 6 miles from the shore respecting a minimum catch size of 14 pieces per kg. All the vessels are fishing with purse seine and pelagic trawler, which 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 fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformity related to the fishing of mackerel.
Societé Nouvelle Aveiro Maroc
Species scientific name: Scomber japonicus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Scomber japonicus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: NOUVELLE AVEIRO MAROC.
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: 8-1012; 8-987; 8-840; 8-1041; 6/2-118; 8-995.
Fishing method: Purse Seine, Pelagic Trawl.
Certified species: Scientific name: Scomber japonicus;
Common name: Mackerel.
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 every year by MADRPM and managed by the National Research Institute for Fisheries (INRH). Results of a comprehensive evaluation model indicate that stocks of mackerel are fully exploited at A, B, and C zone. Morocco developed a plan, launched in February 2010, which introduced management measures to govern permitted fishing areas, species and accessories allowed, operational procedures by different fleets, tracking documents and monitoring of catches. It is recommended that the catch should not exceed 200,000 tonnes. In Zone C, Mackerel 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 is established at 3% 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, which are declared on the fishing license and 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 14 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 a major non-conformity (concerns 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 irregularities pointed out by the auditor were being corrected.
Sovapec Maromega
Species scientific name: Scomber colias
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine – Scomber japonicus – 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: Scomber japonicus;
Common name: Mackerel.
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 every year by MADRPM and managed by the National Research Institute for Fisheries (INRH). It is recommended that the catch should not exceed 200,000 tonnes and the minimum size allowed for mackerel is 14 pieces per kg. The current level of exploitation is about 23% lower than the available. The results show that the stock is fully exploited, but 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. 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
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. At sea, the Royal Navy and the Royal Gendarmerie supervise the fleet, by patrol and surveillance aircraft. 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. 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 minor non-conformities (concerns related to 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.
Unimer S.A.
Species scientific name: Scomber colias
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Morocco – Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Scomber colias – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)
Fishery client: Consernor CAN3, UNIMER GROUP.
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: Scomber japonicus;
Common name: Mackerel.
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 mackerel stocks are fully exploited, but not overfished. There is a Total Catching Allowed (TAC) established for zone C, whereas for zones A and B, the Moroccan government is still studying a TAC management plan.
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 fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformity.
Union des Pecheries Africaines (UPA)
Species scientific name: Scomber japonicus
FAO area: 34
Fishing method: Purse seine
Purse seine, Pelagic Trawl – Scomber japonicus – 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: Scomber japonicus;
Common name: Mackerel.
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). A quota system is in place in zone C, while in zone A and B a management plan is under discussion in the Moroccan parliament. The two zones are managed with a biological stop for fishing of two months. Results indicate that stocks of mackerel are fully exploited and considered as not overfished.
Bycatch / discards
All information related to bycatch are recorded at the unloading by ONP. 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 Ship 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 fleet complies with the human rights and Moroccan labour regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
The fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformity.
