French company Sapmer confirmed Friend of the Sea and FAD Free
Sapmer – French deep-sea fishing company based on the island of Reunion – has recently concluded Friend of the Sea renewal audit for its purse seine fleet. Yellowfin, skipjack and bigeye tuna from the fishing group vessels can continue to display the seal of approval.
The vessels have a responsible fishing policy that minimizes the impact on immature fish and other associated species and thus contributes to reduction of discards. In addition, an efficient waste management system prevents waste dispersion.
The company guarantees a specific traceability system to demonstrate the sustainable origin of all products. The captures are frozen directly onboard at – 40 °C in order to preserve quality and taste.
Sapmer has also recently started to undergo a FAD Free third party audit program coordinated by Friend of the Sea, in order to meet some of its customers’ demand for tuna fished on free schools.
“For many years, Sapmer has shared Friend of the Sea’s objectives in terms of sustainable development. Thanks to its good practices, the company contributes to the oceans and ecosystems’ preservation and actively participates in the improvement of our working conditions,” said Adrien de Chomereau, Deputy CEO of Sapmer. “The certification renewal is a confirmation of Sapmer’s involvement and commitment towards a sustainable fishing which respects natural resources and tropical tuna stocks.”
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Sapmer
Founded in 1947, Sapmer has grown significantly over the years. In 2006, the company decided to invest in tuna fishing, and between 2009 and 2015, nine freezer tuna purse seiners of a completely new design joined Sapmer’s fleet. Their new and innovative technological concept was designed to meet strict requirements regarding the quality of the catch and the respect of marine environment. In 2008 the frozen fish processing factory, Mer des Mascareignes, begins its activity in Mauritius. In 2011, Tuna Processing Services starts its operation in Mauritius with brand new equipment to support the development of the processing activity. Sapmer is committed to responsible and sustainable fishing and offers deep frozen tuna packaged to the clients’ requirements.
Friend of the Sea
Friend of the Sea is an international certification program for products from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Over 500 companies in more than 50 countries have relied on Friend of the Sea to assess the sustainable origin of their seafood. Audits, based on the best and the most updated available scientific data, are run by accredited independent certification bodies. Recently the program has expanded to the certification of sustainable shipping, ornamental fish and whale watching operators.
