Peixe-espada

Initial Audit Report

CAR Initial

Initial Audit Report

Recertification audit report

Basic description of the fleet/fishery

Fishery client: TROPIC FISHERY (PVT) LTD, Sri Lanka.

Fishing area: FAO 57, Indian Ocean.

Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 16 vessels.

Vessels audited remotely: Li-IMUL-A-0036CBO; Li-IMUL-A-0046MTR; Li-IMUL-A-0068TCO; Li-IMUL-A-0098MTR.

Fishing method: Long line.

Certified species: scientific name / common name

Xiphias gladius / Swordfish.

                 

Management summary

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development (MFARD) is the agency that manage fisheries in Sri Lanka. Fisheries activities are planned, administrated and monitored under the guidance of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR). In addition, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), an intergovernmental organisation, is responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean. Fisheries management organisations are held annually, along with intermittent meetings with the scientific committee meeting, technical committee meeting and compliance committee meeting.

 

Stock status summary

Data from the lasted IOTC assessment reported that most of Sri Lanka’s fishing vessels are artisanal (< 24m). In addition, it reported that catches from the main fleet of Sri Lanka correspond to 13%, the stock is not overfished and it is not subject to overfishing. The organisation buys 100% of its purchase from small fishing vessels.

 

Bycatch / discards

The fishing gear used is the Deep-set Long line, which reduces the by-catch percentage. The logbook is used in all vessels and data are available on the DFAR and IOTC website. Evidence of minimal by-catch (targeted as incidental catch; there is no records of turtles and sharks). All fish caught, including by-catch and discards, are used for human consumption.

 

Habitat Impact 

Currently, encouraged by government actions to reduce gill net fishing, most of the fishing are done by Long line. This fishing method has been selected so that the endangered species is not caught (> 100m depth Longline Deep-set). No degradation of seabed.

 

Social Accountability performance

The fleet complies with the human rights and Srilankan regulations.

 

Conclusion with reasons for approval

The fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any major non-conformities.

 

FOS-Wild-standard-V3.1_en.pdf

Car 1

Car 2

Car 3

Car 4

Initial Audit Report

CAR 1 Initial

CAR 2 Initial

Surveillance Audit Report

CAR 1 Surveillance

Initial Audit Report

Ecuador – Purse seine, Long line – Xiphias gladius – FAO 87 (Pacific, Southeast)

Fishery client: TRANSMARINA C.A.
Website: www.transmarina.com
Fishing area: FAO 87, Southeast Pacific.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 9 vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: P-04-00575; P-04-00747; P-04-00827; P-04-00811; P-04-00826; P-04-00853; P-04-00822; P-04-00796; P-04-00788.
Fishing method: Purse seine and Long line.
Certified species: Scientific name: Xiphias gladius;
Common name: Sword.

Management summary
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries of Ecuador (MAGAP) through its subsidiary unit, the Secretariat of Fisheries Resources (Subsecretaría de Recursos Pesqueros, SRP), is the government agency that manages fisheries in Ecuador. The SRP has offices in the main ports of Ecuador, where the tasks of inspection, control and monitoring of fishing activities are regularly conducted at landing harbors. SRP regulates fishing activity by allocating fishing permits both, fishers and vessels, by establishing fishing periods and bans, and by regulating fishing gears, tools, and fishing zones.

Stock status summary
According to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC), Swordfish stocks are healthy in the northeastern Pacific and southeastern Pacific. The stocks are not overfished. In addition, the spawning biomass ratio (SBR) is ~1.45, substantially above the level that is expected to produce catch at the level of maximum sustainable yield (MSY).

Bycatch / discards
The fishery is selective and the fishing gear is among the tools applied to prevent accidental catches. There is no evidence of small species, as well as the fishing gear prevents the capture of species less than 1.8kg. The level of discards is 6% of the total catch.

Habitat Impact
According to the auditor, there is no Marine Protected Areas in FAO area 87. The fishery occurs 200 miles from the shore and data fleet is recorded in the logbook. The fishing gears have no hooks and are used in at depths that do not allow damage to the seabed.

Social Accountability performance

The fleet complies with the human rights and Ecuadorian labour regulations.

Conclusion with reasons for approval
The fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformity.

Initial Audit Report

audit report

Fishery client: Lung Soon Fishery Co. Ltd.

Fishing area: FAO Areas 61 – 71 – 77

Fishing vessels: CT7-0544 – IMO 9184005; CT7-0575 – IMO 8648614; CT7-0541 – IMO 9198147

Fishing method: Longline

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Thunnus albacares / Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus obesus / Bigeye tuna

Thunnus alalunga / Albacore tuna

Xiphias gladius / Swordfish

Management summary

The fishery is managed under the framework of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), the Regional Fisheries Management Organization responsible for the conservation and management of highly migratory fish stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.

The WCPFC fisheries management system is participatory and transparent. Management decisions are adopted during regular Commission meetings where member countries participate in discussions and decision-making processes.

The WCPFC Rules of Procedure define how Commission meetings are conducted, how members participate in decision-making, and how observers may attend meetings. The procedures allow participation from member states and accredited observer organizations, including stakeholders from the fishing industry and scientific community.

Meeting reports, conservation and management measures, and other relevant documents are publicly available through the WCPFC website, ensuring transparency and stakeholder participation in the fisheries management system.

Stock status summary

WCPFC has developed reports on the stock status of the audited species:

WCPO Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus Albacares) – Stock Status And Management Advice (Sc19 2023 – Stock Assessment Conducted):

The stock is not experiencing overfishing and is not in an overfished condition.

WCPO Bigeye Tuna (Thunnus Obesus) – Stock Status And Management Advice (Sc19 2023 – Stock Assessment Conducted): The stock is very likely not experiencing overfishing and is not in an overfished condition.

WCPO Albacore Tuna (Thunnus Alalunga) – Stock Status And Management Advice (Sc19 2023 – Stock Assessment Conducted):

The stock is likely not overfished and is likely not experiencing overfishing.

WCPO swordfish (Xiphias gladius) – stock status and management advice (sc19 2023 – stock assessment conducted):

For the stock, overfishing is very likely not occurring, and the NP SWO stock is very likely not overfished.

Bycatch/discards

The use of circle hooks is a measure to reduce the capture of non-target species (e.g., sea turtles, sharks) and to minimize discards.

The auditor viewed Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs) and Resolutions of the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), which contain management measures regarding bycatch.

The fishing vessels record catch, bycatch and discard information for each fishing trip through logbooks and reporting systems required by the fisheries management authorities.

Habitat Impact 

Scientific data and information regarding ecosystem impacts of fisheries are collected and evaluated through international and national fisheries management systems.

Ecosystem assessments consider impacts on non-target species, Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) species, habitats, and food web interactions. These assessments are based on fisheries statistics, stock assessments, scientific research, and monitoring programs.

Relevant scientific methodologies and results are publicly available through international organizations such as FAO and national fisheries research institutions.

The certified fishing unit operates using pelagic longline fishing gear, which targets highly migratory tuna species in the open ocean.

This fishing method operates in the mid-water column and does not involve contact with the seabed. Therefore, the fishing gear used by the unit of certification does not cause physical damage to seabed habitats such as coral reefs, seamount ecosystems, or other vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs).

Social Accountability performance

The fleet complies with human rights and labour regulations.

Initial Audit Report

CAR Initial

Surveillance Audit Report

Car Surveillance

Recertification audit

Surveillance

Recertification audit

John Sea Foods Pvt Ltd.

 

Fishery client

John Sea Foods Pvt Ltd

Sri Lanka.

 

Fishing area

FAO Fishing Areas 51 and 57

 

Fishing vessels

Vessels inspected as a representative sample: IMUL-A-0359 CHW, IMUL-A-0724 NBO, IMUL-A-0808 CHW and IMUL-A-2135 MTR.

 

Fishing method

Long line.

 

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Thunnus albacares / Yellowfin tuna
Xiphias gladius / Swordfish

 

Management summary

The stocks are managed regionally by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and nationally by the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), with support from the Ministry of Fisheries and NARA. Management includes scientific stock assessments, the precautionary approach, conservation and management measures for target and non-target species, rebuilding measures, biological reference points, vessel licensing, catch and effort reporting, mandatory logbooks, VMS and AIS monitoring, vessel and port inspections, controls against IUU fishing and monitoring of Marine Protected Areas. IOTC measures are periodically reviewed and adjusted based on updated scientific information. John Sea Foods sources from vessels under 24 metres; therefore, onboard observers are not required, and VMS, AIS and departure and arrival inspections are used as alternative monitoring measures. The Sri Lankan tuna longline fishery also participates in a fishery improvement initiative intended to strengthen its biological, ecological and management performance.

 

 

Stock status summary

Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna and swordfish are classified as not overfished and not subject to overfishing. The 2024 yellowfin tuna assessment estimated SB2022/SBMSY at 1.37, with an 89% probability that the stock was in the healthy zone of the Kobe plot. For swordfish, median spawning biomass in 2021 was estimated at 1.39 times the level required to support MSY, while fishing mortality was estimated at 60% of FMSY. Swordfish catch in 2021 was 23,237 tonnes, below the estimated MSY of 29,856 tonnes.

Bycatch/discards

Bycatch information is recorded in vessel logbooks, collected when fish are received at the processing facility and checked during harbour controls before unloading. Bycatch and discard information is reported under DFAR and IOTC requirements. Retained bycatch is used for human consumption or for fishmeal and fish oil production. No discarded species were identified in the reviewed records, and discards were stated to be below 8% of total catch.

 

Habitat impact

Pelagic longline gear operates in the water column and does not normally contact the seabed, so direct impacts on benthic habitats are considered negligible. John Sea Foods sources only fish caught by longline vessels and verifies the fishing gear used through random inspections of registered vessels. Compliance with Marine Protected Area regulations is monitored through logbook coordinates, GPS, VMS and the Fisheries Monitoring Centre. The Sri Lankan longline fishery improvement initiative also includes measures intended to improve the biological and ecological status of the fishery and reduce impacts on non-target species and the wider pelagic ecosystem.

 

Social accountability performance

The company complies with Sri Lankan labour legislation and relevant ILO principles and has 135 employees. Employee salaries were above the national minimum wage of LKR 27,000 stated in the supporting information. Workers are covered by workers’ compensation and accident insurance and receive 14 days of sick leave per year. Occupational health and safety measures include PPE, first-aid equipment, fire extinguishers, first-aid training, fire drills and accident records. Freedom of association and collective bargaining are recognised, while forced labour, discrimination, abuse and harassment are prohibited. Living cabins on board were clean, spacious and in good condition.

Initial Audit Report

Surveillance Audit Report

Basic description of the fleet/fishery

Fishery client: Leigh Fisheries

Fishing area: FAO 81; Pacific, Southwest – FMA Area 1, 2 and 9.

Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 55vessels.

Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: 900855; 15878; 2024; 5876.

Fishing method: Long line.

Certified species:Scientific name / Common name

Xiphias gladius / Swordfish

 

Management summary

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) manages New Zealand’s fisheries under a national fisheries plan. The cornerstone of New Zealand fisheries management is the Quota Management System (QMS). The most targeted species are regularly evaluated, while the bycatch species present a lack of information due to the low level of catches. All vessels maintain a logbook.. A Catch Landing Return (CLR) is recorded at every trip, indicating the target species and bycatches. CLR is delivered to the MPI office at the 15 of every month and it is matched with the declaration of the Licensed Fish Receivers.

 

Stock status summary

According to the MPI, Swordfish is reported as not overexploited and overfished.

 

Bycatch / discards

Bycatch is very low in long line fishing method. The main species caught by accidents are birds and the most common is the Black Petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni). The fishing vessels use a Tori line system to scare the birds, reducing catches to negligible numbers. There are no discards, since all fish caught is marketed by the unit of certification. All bycatch is recorded on the CLR.

 

Habitat Impact

The ecosystem impact of the fishery is taken into account in the assessment carried out by MPI. The fleet is just using passive gears that have no impact on seabed. The fishing devices are tagged with different marker buoys, which are set at a certain distance on the ling to prevent the loss of a piece of the line. All the skippers are committed to recover the fishing gears to avoid ghost fishing.

 

Social Accountability performance

The fleet complies with the human rights and labour regulations of New Zealand.

 

Conclusion with reasons for approval

The fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformities.

Initial Audit Report

Sri Lanka – Hand line – Xiphias gladius – FAO 57 (Indian Ocean, Eastern)

Fishery client: Global sea foods (Pvt) Ltd.
Website: www.gsffish.com
Fishing area: FAO 57, Eastern Indian Ocean waters.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of ___ vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: A-0229 CHW; A-0191 CHW; A-0662 CHW; A-0398 CHW; A-0652 CHW; A-0010 CHW; -A-0833 MTR; A-1348 MTR.
Fishing method: Hand line.
Certified species: Scientific name: Xiphias gladius;
Common name: Sword.

Management summary
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development (MFARD) is the agency that manage fisheries in Sri Lanka. Fisheries activities are planned, administrated and monitored under the guidance of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR). The government provides a logbook for each vessel.

Stock status summary
The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) is an Intergovernmental Organisation responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean. According to IOTC data, fishing mortality is lower than mortality at Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY). There are some opinions about the existence of two different stocks. In the case of the southwestern, a precautionary approach has been set by regulating the total amount catchable. The stock of the audited species is not overexploited and overfished.

Bycatch / discards
Bycatch species are not included in the IUCN Red list. The company has given training to skippers and boat owners regarding by catch reduction measures. Discarding percentage is less than 8%. All bycatch is recorded in the logbook. The Earth Island Institute approved the company for Dolphin-Safe certification.

Habitat Impact
All vessels are operating under a swordfish quota system, ranging from 15 to 50 kg. There is no fishing in Protected Marine Areas. In addition, there is no evidence of gears that could damage the seabed. Fishing occurs 300 to 400 km from the coast.

Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and national labour regulations.

Conclusion with reasons for approval
The fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without non-conformities.

Initial Audit Report

Sri Lanka – Hand line – Xiphias gladius – FAO 57 (Indian Ocean, Eastern)

Fishery client: Lihini Sea Foods Pvt. Ltd.
Website: www.lihiniseafood.com
Fishing area: FAO 57, Eastern Indian Ocean waters.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 64 vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: A – 0434-KLT; A – 0687-CHW; A – 0611-CHW; A – 0635-CHW; A – 0474-NBO.
Fishing method: Hand line.
Certified species: Scientific name: Xiphias gladius;
Common name: Sword.

Management summary
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development (MFARD) is the agency that manage fisheries in Sri Lanka. Fisheries activities are planned, administrated and monitored under the guidance of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR). There is regulation from Local Authority emphasizing only swordfish above 15 kg can be caught. Navy and fisheries Officer monitor logbook data.

Stock status summary
The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) is an Intergovernmental Organisation responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean. According to IOTC data, the stock of the audited species is not overexploited and overfished.

Bycatch / discards
The fleet did not usually record information on bycatch and discards. The crew only reported that protected species (e.g., shark, dolphin and turtles), when caught, are released immediately at sea. The auditor identified the attitude as nonconformity. However, the problem has been solved and now the fleet records this data in the logbook.

Habitat Impact
The fleet did not monitor the effect of fishing gear on the seabed. The auditor identified the attitude as nonconformity. However, many references report that the side effect of the use of longline refers to incidental catch, with no effect on the seabed. There is no fishing in Marine Protected Areas, as reported on the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) of all vessels.

Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and national labour regulations.

Conclusion with reasons for approval
Despite of major and minor non-conformities (concerns related to different procedures), 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

Sri Lanka – Long line – Xiphias gladius – FAO 57 (Indian Ocean, Eastern)

Fishery client: VS Seafood (Pvt) Ltd.
Website: www.vsseafood.com
Fishing area: FAO 57, Eastern Indian Ocean waters.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of ___ vessels.
Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: IMUL –A-0612 CHW; IMUL-A-0102 CBO.
Fishing method: Long line.
Certified species: Scientific name: Xiphias gladius;
Common name: Swordfish.

Management summary
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development (MFARD) is the agency that manage fisheries in Sri Lanka. Fisheries activities are planned, administrated and monitored under the guidance of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR). There is regulation from Local Authority emphasizing only swordfish above 20 kg can be caught. There is a quota system for providing license to vessels. Navy and fisheries Officer monitor logbook data.

Stock status summary
The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) is an Intergovernmental Organisation responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean. According to IOTC data, fishing mortality is lower than mortality at Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY). The stock of the audited species is not overexploited and overfished. Still, IOTC continuously monitors the stock of the species for data collection and reporting, reducing the uncertainties in the assessments.

Bycatch / discards
Accidental catches are released alive to the sea at the time of the catch. The fleet is keeping records in the logbook and no accidental catches are included in the IUCN Red list. The level of discards does not exceed 8% of the total catch.

Habitat Impact
Each vessel has a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), which is monitored by government authorities in order to control the intrusion of Marine Protected Areas. The fishery occurs approximately 400 to 450 km from the Sri Lanka shore. The long line is used at about 20 meters depth and there are specific bait to reduction of accidental catches and limit to specific catch.

Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and Sri Lankan labour regulations.

Conclusion with reasons for approval
The fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any non-conformity.

Initial audit

Fishery client

Alex Sea Food (Pvt) Ltd,

Sri Lanka.

Fishing area

FAO Fishing Areas 51 and 57, including waters within the Sri Lankan Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Fishing vessels

IMUL-A-0732 CHW, IMUL-A-0750 NBO, IMUL-A-0758 NBO, IMUL-A-0974 CHW and IMUL-A-0804 CHW.

Fishing method

Pelagic longlines.

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Thunnus albacares / Yellowfin tuna
Xiphias gladius / Swordfish

Management summary

The stocks are managed regionally by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and nationally by the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), with support from the Ministry of Fisheries and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). Management measures include vessel licensing, logbook and catch reporting, Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) control, monitoring of Marine Protected Areas.

Stock status summary

Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna and swordfish were not overfished and were not subject to overfishing. The 2024 yellowfin tuna assessment estimated spawning biomass above the level associated with maximum sustainable yield. For swordfish, biomass was estimated above BMSY and fishing mortality below FMSY. Possible localised depletion of swordfish in the south-western Indian Ocean should continue to be monitored.

 

Bycatch/discards

Bycatch information is recorded in vessel logbooks.  No IUCN-listed species were identified in the sampled accidental catch records, and discards were below 8% of the total catch. Retained bycatch is used for human consumption or for fishmeal and fish oil production.

Habitat impact

Pelagic longline gear operates in the water column and does not normally contact the seabed; therefore, direct impacts on benthic habitats and seabed communities are considered negligible. The company verifies the fishing gear used by registered vessels through documentation and random inspections. Compliance with Marine Protected Area regulations is monitored through GPS, VMS, fishing logbooks and the Sri Lankan Fisheries Monitoring Centre. Vessel positions and fishing activities are regularly reviewed to identify any potential entry into restricted or protected areas. Measures are also applied to monitor bycatch, reduce interactions with non-target species and minimise impacts on the wider pelagic ecosystem.

Social accountability performance

The company complies with Sri Lankan labour legislation, relevant ILO principles, and human rights requirements. Controls are in place for child and forced labour, discrimination, wages, insurance, sick leave, occupational health and safety, PPE, first aid, fire drills, accident records, freedom of association. The company had 24 employees

Initial audit

Surveillance

Fishery client

Blue Line Ocean (Pvt) Ltd

Fishing area

FAO Fishing Areas 51 and 57

Fishing vessels

vessels sampled: IMULA 0937 CHW and IMULA 0724 CHW.

Fishing method

Long line

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Thunnus albacares / Yellowfin tuna
Xiphias gladius / Swordfish

Management summary

The fishery is managed regionally by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and nationally by the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), with support from the Ministry of Fisheries and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). Management measures include vessel registration and licensing, logbook and catch reporting, VMS and Fisheries Monitoring Centre controls, Marine Protected Area monitoring, IUU vessel checks, harbour inspections and implementation of IOTC Conservation and Management Measures. The Sri Lankan longline tuna fishery also participates in a fishery improvement initiative.

Stock status summary

According to the IOTC assessment information cited in the audit, Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna and swordfish were assessed as not overfished and not subject to overfishing. For yellowfin tuna, the audit relies on the 2024 assessment and notes that no new full assessment was completed in 2025; the stock was considered to be above the biomass reference level and fishing mortality below FMSY. For swordfish, the advice is based on the 2023 assessment, with biomass above BMSY and fishing mortality below FMSY.

Bycatch/discards

Bycatch information is recorded in vessel logbooks, which are collected when fish is received and were reviewed during the audit.  The audit states that no discarded species were observed in the reviewed logbooks and that discards were well below 8% of total catch. Retained bycatch may be used for human consumption, fishmeal or fish oil.

 

Habitat impact

Pelagic longline gear does not normally contact the seabed; therefore, the audit considers direct impacts on benthic habitats to be insignificant. Fishing positions and compliance with Marine Protected Areas are controlled through logbooks, GPS, VMS and the Sri Lankan Fisheries Monitoring Centre. The audit also refers to the Sri Lankan longline fishery improvement project, which aims to improve the biological and ecological performance of the fishery.

 

Social accountability performance

The audit reports 33 employees and compliance with Sri Lankan labour legislation and relevant ILO principles. It verified controls concerning child labour, salaries above the legal minimum, payslips, workers compensation and accident insurance, sick leave, occupational health and safety, PPE, fire extinguishers, first-aid boxes, first-aid training, fire drills and accident records. It also reported freedom of association, prohibition of forced labour and discrimination, and clean and adequate living conditions on board.

 

Initial audit

Surveillance

Recertification audit

Surveillance

Fishery client

East Globe Lanka Export Company,

Fishing area

FAO Fishing Areas 51 and 57

 

Fishing vessels

IMULA 0800 CHW was identified as the sampled vessel

 

Fishing method

Long line.

 

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Thunnus albacares / Yellowfin tuna
Xiphias gladius / Swordfish

 

Management summary

The fishery is managed regionally by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and nationally by the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), with support from the Ministry of Fisheries and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). Management measures include vessel registration and licensing, logbook and catch reporting, VMS and Fisheries Monitoring Centre controls, Marine Protected Area monitoring, IUU vessel checks, harbour inspections and implementation of IOTC Conservation and Management Measures. The Sri Lankan longline tuna fishery also participates in a fishery improvement initiative.

 

Stock status summary

According to the IOTC information cited in the audit, Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna and swordfish were assessed as not overfished and not subject to overfishing. For yellowfin tuna, the audit relies on the 2024 assessment and notes that no new full assessment was completed in 2025; biomass was above the reference level and fishing mortality below FMSY. Swordfish advice is based on the 2023 assessment, with biomass above BMSY and fishing mortality below FMSY.  

Bycatch/discards

Bycatch information is recorded in vessel logbooks, which are collected when fish is received and were reviewed during the audit. The report states that no IUCN red-listed species were evident in the sampled accidental-catch records. No discarded species were observed in the reviewed logbooks and that discards were well below 8% of total catch. Retained bycatch may be used for human consumption, fishmeal or fish oil.

 

Habitat impact

Pelagic longline gear does not normally contact the seabed; therefore, the audit considers direct impacts on benthic habitats to be insignificant. Fishing positions and compliance with Marine Protected Areas are controlled through logbooks, GPS, VMS and the Sri Lankan Fisheries Monitoring Centre. The audit also refers to the Sri Lankan longline fishery improvement project, which aims to improve the biological and ecological performance of the fishery.

 

Social accountability performance

The audit reports 16 employees and compliance with Sri Lankan labour legislation and relevant ILO principles. It verified controls on child labour, salaries above the legal minimum, payslips, workers compensation and accident insurance, sick leave, occupational health and safety, PPE, fire extinguishers, first-aid equipment and training, fire drills and accident records. It also reported freedom of association, no forced labour or discrimination, and clean living conditions on board.

Initial audit

Fishery client

Eastbay International (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka

Fishing area

FAO Fishing Areas 51 and 57.

Fishing vessels

The three vessels sampled during the audit: IMULA 0688 CHW, IMULA 0810 CHW and IMULA 0858 CHW.

Fishing method

Long line.

 

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Thunnus albacares / Yellowfin tuna
Xiphias gladius / Swordfish

 

Management summary

The stocks are managed regionally by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and nationally by the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR). The management system includes conservation and management measures, a precautionary approach, stock rebuilding provisions, catch and bycatch reporting, vessel monitoring, inspections and measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. DFAR uses VMS, vessel inspections and a Fisheries Crime Unit to support monitoring and enforcement.

 

Stock status summary

Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna is classified as not overfished and not subject to overfishing. Spawning biomass was estimated above SBMSY, with an 89% probability that the stock was in the healthy zone.

Swordfish is also classified as not overfished and not subject to overfishing. Spawning biomass was estimated at 1.39 times the level required to support MSY, while fishing mortality was estimated at 60% of FMSY.

 

Bycatch/discards

Bycatch information is recorded in vessel logbooks, which were reviewed during the audit and are checked before unloading. The audit states that no IUCN-listed species were identified in the sampled accidental-catch records, that no discarded species were observed in the records reviewed, and that discards were below 8% of total catch. Retained bycatch is used for human consumption or for fishmeal and fish oil production.

 

Habitat impact

Longline gear does not normally contact the seabed, and the audit considers direct impacts on benthic habitats to be insignificant. Compliance with Marine Protected Area regulations is monitored through vessel logbooks, GPS, VMS and the Fisheries Monitoring Centre. The Sri Lankan longline fishery also participates in a fishery improvement initiative intended to improve its biological and ecological performance.

 

Social accountability performance

The audit reports compliance with Sri Lankan labour legislation and relevant ILO principles. It verified controls on child labour, wages, workers’ compensation and accident insurance, sick leave, occupational health and safety, personal protective equipment, first aid, fire drills and accident records. It also reported freedom of association, no forced labour or discrimination, and acceptable living conditions on board. Pay slips were reviewed, and the company’s minimum salary was reported to be above LKR 65,000. The company had 24 employees at the time of the audit.

Initial audit

Surveillance

Recertification audit

Surveillance

Fishery client

Jay Sea Foods Processing (Pvt) Ltd

Sri Lanka.

 

Fishing area

FAO Fishing Areas 51 and 57

 

Fishing vessels

Vessels sampled during the on-site audit: IMUL-A-0723 CHW and IMUL-A-2091 NBO

 

Fishing method

Long line.

 

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Thunnus albacares / Yellowfin tuna
Xiphias gladius / Swordfish

 

Management summary

The stocks are managed regionally by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and nationally by the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), with support from the Ministry of Fisheries and NARA. Sri Lanka is a founding member of the IOTC and contributes scientific, catch and fisheries-management information used to assess highly migratory stocks and update regional management advice.

Management measures include vessel licensing, logbook and catch reporting, VMS and AIS monitoring, port and coast-guard inspections, controls for Marine Protected Areas, checks against IUU vessel lists, biological reference points and rebuilding measures. The IOTC also adopts conservation and management measures for target and non-target species, including retention restrictions, safe-release practices, bycatch mitigation, improved data collection and research on sharks, rays, seabirds and other vulnerable species. Management advice and measures are periodically reviewed through IOTC scientific and commission meetings.

The Sri Lankan tuna and swordfish longline fishery also participates in a fishery improvement initiative intended to strengthen stock management, data collection, bycatch controls and compliance with national and regional requirements.

 

Stock status summary

Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna is classified as not overfished and not subject to overfishing. Spawning biomass in 2022 was estimated at 1.37 times SBMSY, with an 89% probability that the stock was in the healthy zone of the Kobe plot.

Swordfish is also classified as not overfished and not subject to overfishing. Spawning biomass in 2021 was estimated at 1.39 times BMSY, while fishing mortality was estimated at 60% of FMSY. Catch was also below the estimated MSY level. No new stock assessments were conducted in 2025; therefore, the 2024 yellowfin tuna assessment and the 2023 swordfish assessment remain the most recent available evaluations.

 

Bycatch/discards

Bycatch information is recorded in vessel logbooks in accordance with Sri Lankan DFAR and IOTC reporting requirements. Logbooks include fishing activity and incidental catches and are checked by the Coast Guard before unloading. Reported information is submitted to the IOTC, which compiles and publishes data on catches, fishing effort and species affected by tuna fisheries. No IUCN-listed species or discarded catches were identified in the sampled records, and discards were reported to be below 8% of total catch. Retained bycatch is used for human consumption or for fishmeal and fish oil production. Sri Lanka also applies measures to reduce accidental catches, including restrictions on endangered species and the National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks.

 

Habitat impact

Pelagic longline gear does not normally contact the seabed, so direct impacts on benthic habitats are considered negligible. The company verifies fishing gear through vessel inspections. Compliance with Marine Protected Area rules and fishing-area restrictions is monitored through GPS, VMS, the Fisheries Monitoring Centre and DFAR controls. The fishery improvement project also addresses the biological and ecological impacts of the Sri Lankan longline fishery.

 

Social accountability performance

Compliance with Sri Lankan labour legislation and relevant ILO principles. It verified controls concerning child labour, wages above the national legal minimum, workers’ compensation and accident insurance, sick leave, occupational health and safety procedures, personal protective equipment, first-aid equipment, fire drills and accident records. It also reported freedom of association, prohibition of forced labour and discrimination, and clean and suitable living conditions on board. The company had 75 employees at the time of the audit.

Surveillance

Southern Coast Exports Pvt Ltd.

Fishery client

Southern Coast Exports Pvt Ltd.

Sri Lanka

Fishing area

FAO 51 and 57

Fishing vessels

The complete fleet is contained in a separate approved vessel list attached to the audit. The two vessels sampled during the onsite and harbour checks were IMUL-A-0125 TCO, unloading at Trincomalee, and IMUL-A-1440 MTR, unloading at Gandara. The vessels are registered with the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Fishing method

Longline

Certified species: Scientific name / Common name

Thunnus albacares / Yellowfin tuna
Xiphias gladius / Swordfish

 

Management summary

The stocks are managed regionally by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and nationally by the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), with support from the Ministry of Fisheries and NARA. Management includes IOTC conservation and management measures, vessel licensing and registration, mandatory logbooks and catch reporting, VMS and Fisheries Monitoring Centre controls, vessel and harbour inspections, controls against IUU fishing and monitoring of Marine Protected Areas.

DFAR distributes updated IUU vessel information to processors and exporters, and Southern Coast checks this information against its approved vessel list before receiving fish. Training on bycatch-reduction measures is provided to skippers, vessel owners and fish suppliers. The Sri Lankan tuna and swordfish longline fishery is also associated with a fishery improvement initiative intended to strengthen its biological, ecological and management performance.

 

Stock status summary

No new full stock assessments were completed in 2025. Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna remains classified as not overfished and not subject to overfishing based on the 2024 assessment. Spawning biomass in 2022 was estimated at 1.37 times SBMSY, with an 89% probability that the stock was in the healthy zone of the Kobe plot. Swordfish also remains classified as not overfished and not subject to overfishing based on the 2023 assessment. Spawning biomass in 2021 was estimated at 1.39 times the level required to support MSY, while fishing mortality was estimated at 60% of FMSY. Catch in 2021 was also below the estimated MSY level.

Bycatch/discards

Bycatch and discard information is recorded in vessel logbooks, collected when fish are received at the processing facility and checked at landing. Fishing information, including incidental catches, must be entered in DFAR logbooks, which are checked before unloading. Circle hooks are used in longline operations to reduce interactions with sea turtles, sharks and other non-target species. Species associated with the fishery include blue shark, shortfin mako shark, manta rays, sailfish, mahi-mahi, marlins and escolar.  No discarded species were identified in the reviewed records, and discards were stated to be below 8% of total catch.

Habitat impact

Pelagic longline gear operates in the water column, at a reported fishing depth of approximately 70 metres, and does not normally contact the seabed. Direct impacts on benthic habitats are therefore considered negligible. Southern Coast purchases fish only from registered longline vessels and conducts random inspections to verify the fishing gear used.

Fishing positions are recorded through GPS and monitored by the DFAR Fisheries Monitoring Centre using VMS. Fishing activity in Marine Protected Areas is controlled through this monitoring system. Training is also provided to skippers and vessel owners on bycatch reduction, with the most recent recorded session conducted on 1 March 2026.

Social accountability performance

Southern Coast complies with Sri Lankan labour legislation and relevant ILO principles and has 40 employees. Controls cover child labour, salaries above the national minimum wage, employee health insurance, workers’ compensation and accident insurance, and 14 days of sick leave per year. Reviewed payslips confirmed that salaries exceeded the applicable minimum wage.

Occupational health and safety measures include safety boots, gloves, head protection, safety harnesses, goggles, masks, waterproof aprons, first-aid equipment and fire extinguishers. First-aid and fire-drill training was conducted, with the latest recorded session dated 26 September 2025. Accident and injury records are maintained.

Freedom of association is respected, while forced labour, discrimination, abuse and harassment are prohibited through the company’s HR policy and code of conduct. Living accommodation on board was clean, spacious and in good condition.