Sgombro (Aringa, Spratto, Menade)

Initial Audit Report

Surveillance

Recertification audit

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.

Initial Audit Report

Surveillance Audit Report

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.

Initial Audit Report

Corrective Actions

Surveillance Audit Report

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.

Initial Audit Report

Corrective Actions

Surveillance Audit Report

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.

 

Initial Audit Report

Initial Audit Report

Recertification audit report

Morocco – Purse seine – Scomber colias, Sardina pilchardus – FAO 34 (Atlantic, Eastern Central)

Fishery client: KING PELAGIQUE.
Fishing area: FAO 34, Eastern Central Atlantic Waters.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 5 vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 12-113; 8-998.
Fishing method: Purse seine.
Certified species: Scientific name / Common name
Scomber colias / Mackerel
Sardina pilchardus / 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.Pur

Initial Audit Report

Recertification audit report

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.

Initial Audit Report

Corrective Actions

Recertification audit report

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.

Initial Audit Report

Corrective Actions

Recertification audit report

Surveillance audit report

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.

Initial Audit Report

Recertification audit report

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.

Initial Audit Report

Recertification audit report

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.

Initial Audit Report

Initial Audit Report

Initial Audit Report

Surveillance Audit Report

Recertification audit report

Corrective Action

Surveillance

Corrective acrion

Recertification

Corrective Action

Fishery client

Atlantic Sardine Anchovies Tan-Tan ASAT, Morocco.

Fishing area

FAO Fishing Area 34, in Moroccan Atlantic waters.

Fishing vessels

TATBIRTE, TAISSIR-2, JEAN MARIE, DINA-3, ADOUZ-1, SALAH, VILLE D’EL AYOUNE-2, ALGHOFRANE-1 and DOUMS.

Vessels were audited as a sample: TATBIRTE, TAISSIR-2, VILLE D’EL AYOUNE-2 and DINA-3.

Fishing method

Purse seine.

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Sardina pilchardus / European sardine
Scomber colias / Atlantic chub mackerel

Management summary

The fishery is managed under the Moroccan fisheries legal framework by the Ministry responsible for fisheries, represented locally by the Maritime Fisheries Delegation (DPM) and the National Fisheries Office (ONP). Scientific information, biomass monitoring and management recommendations are provided by the National Institute for Fisheries Research (INRH). The management system includes annual vessel registration and licensing, vessel- and season-specific fishing quotas, landing declarations, controls of declared quantities at the port, VMS monitoring, minimum legal sizes, regulated mesh sizes, fishing-area restrictions and controls against IUU fishing. Management measures and quotas are reviewed for each fishing season. The audit also states that discrepancies greater than 10% between the quantity declared before unloading and the quantity recorded by the ONP weighbridge may result in penalties.

 

Stock status summary

Mackerel is described as fully exploited but not overexploited, with a biomass indicator (Bcur/B0.1) between 83% and 94%. A reduction in catch levels is recommended, and a management programme and biological closure in January are mentioned. For sardine, biomass, FMSY and BMSY are monitored.

Bycatch/discards

Accidental catch and discard information is declared at landing to the ONP and processed through the port information system. The audit states that accidental catches and discards are limited to 2%, and that permitted and prohibited species are identified in the fishing licence and national regulations. Vessels are required to declare accidental catches and the quantities and species caught during each fishing trip.

 

Habitat impact

Purse seine gear is described as operating without contact with the seabed, so direct impacts on benthic habitats are considered negligible. Fishing areas are controlled through licences and VMS, and the audit states that fishing in protected areas is prohibited and monitored by the competent authorities.

 

Social accountability performance

Compliance with Moroccan labour legislation and applicable ILO conventions, including requirements relating to minimum working age and child labour. Employees are reported to receive legal wages, and crew members undergo mandatory annual medical examinations. Sailors are provided with social and medical coverage, and their medical fitness is confirmed through validation of the sailor card. Safety measures are mandatory for fishing vessels, crew members receive training through the fishing institute, all crew members are declared to the DPM, and annual technical inspections include verification of vessel safety conditions. Accidents and injuries are recorded and reported to the port. The audit also confirms freedom of association, prohibition of forced labour and discrimination, clean and habitable vessels and compliance with rest periods. It states that normal working hours are applied and that no overtime is performed. The unit of certification reported a total of 300 employees.

Initial Audit Report

Corrective Actions

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.

Initial Audit Report

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.

Initial Audit Report

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.

Initial Audit Report

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.

Initial Audit Report

Corrective Actions

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.

Initial Audit Report

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.

Initial Audit Report

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.

Initial audit

Surveillance

Recertification audit

Surveillance

Recertification audit

 

Fishery client

Ste Nouvelle Aveiro Maroc.

Morocco.

Fishing area

FAO Major Fishing Area 34.

Fishing vessels

EL FALLAH-4, QUBA, AL BORAQ, MOUAATAZ BILLAH, ZAM ZAM-2 and JALOUA-2.

Fishing method

Pelagic trawl and Purse seine.

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Sardina pilchardus / European sardine
Scomber colias / Atlantic chub mackerel

Management summary

The fishery is managed nationally by the Moroccan fisheries ministry through the Maritime Fisheries Delegation (DPM) and the National Fisheries Office (ONP), using scientific information provided by the National Institute for Fisheries Research (INRH). Scientific advice for Northwest African small pelagic stocks is also available through the FAO/CECAF regional assessment framework.

Management measures include annual vessel licensing and quota review, TACs and vessel-specific quotas, mandatory catch declarations, landing controls, VMS monitoring, legal mesh and net requirements, minimum landing sizes, seasonal biological closures and sanctions for non-compliance. Once a vessel quota is reached, ONP may require fishing operations to stop.

Fishing trips and landed quantities are registered through ONP. Logbooks are mandatory for trawlers, while information from traditional pelagic vessels is recorded at landing and incidents must be reported to the port captain. The Samakna digital system is used to monitor fishing quantities and support traceability throughout the supply chain. Management measures, licences and quotas are reviewed for each fishing season.

Stock status summary

Based on INRH information and the 2019 FAO Working Group assessment for Northwest African small pelagics, the stocks are not fully exploited. For mackerel, the results show that the resources are fully exploited, but not in overexploitation; the working group recommends reducing the catching level. The recommendations are taken into consideration in the management plan and a biological shutdown is observed.

Bycatch/discards

Moroccan regulations establish a maximum level of 2% for accidental catches and discards. Allowed and prohibited species are identified in fishing licences, catches and incidental species are declared to the DPM at landing, and trawlers record discards in their logbooks. Sonar and catch checks before loading are used to reduce unwanted catches. The IUCN status of sardine and mackerel does not replace an assessment of the conservation status of the species caught incidentally.

Habitat impact

Purse seine and pelagic trawl gear are intended to operate in the water column, so direct impacts on benthic habitats are considered low. Permitted fishing gear, net dimensions and mesh sizes are checked by port authorities, and vessels undergo regular technical inspections.

Fishing areas and distance-from-shore limits are established in vessel licences. VMS is mandatory, and vessel positions and compliance with protected-area restrictions are monitored through ONP, the Royal Navy and the Royal Gendarmerie. Purse-seine vessels operate within specified coastal distances, while fishing in protected zones is prohibited.

Social accountability performance

The company reported 953 employees. Labour conditions are governed by Moroccan labour and maritime legislation and relevant ILO principles. Crew members undergo annual medical examinations, hold medically validated sailor cards and have access to social and medical coverage. Maritime safety training is required before embarkation, crew members are declared to the DPM for each trip, and vessel technical inspections include safety controls.

Accidents and injuries are recorded and reported to the port authorities. Freedom of association is permitted, forced labour and discrimination are prohibited, and working time and rest periods are regulated. The inspected vessel was described as clean and rest periods were respected.

Legal wages are applied.