Purse Seine

Overview

This FIP is made up of a fleet of 33 tuna purse seine vessels, flagged either to USA, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Nauru or the Federated States of Micronesia. The vessels fish in the WCPO for the three tropical tuna species (with most of the catch being made up of skipjack). They deploy FADs, and fish on FADs and other floating objects, as well as setting on free schools.

This FIP is made up of a fleet of 33 tuna purse seine vessels, flagged either to USA, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Nauru or the Federated States of Micronesia. The vessels fish in the WCPO for the three tropical tuna species (with most of the catch being made up of skipjack). They deploy FADs, and fish on FADs and other floating objects, as well as setting on free schools.

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Key Traceability Ltd.
Organization Type 
Consultant
Primary Contact 
Tom Evans
Email 
t.evans@keytraceability.com
Website Name 
Key Traceability
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
11486

Overview

The Ecuadorian small pelagic fishery is economically and socially important for the country. One of the end uses for some species caught in the fishery is the production of fishmeal and fish oil. In order to eventually be approved as a source of Marine Trust raw material, the fishmeal industry has worked in association with the National Chamber of Fisheries of Ecuador, the Global Sustainable Supply Chains for Marine Commodities Project, the United Nations Development Programme, the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, and the Global Environment Facility to obtain recognition under the Marine Trust Improver Programme. 

During the period 2012-2016, on average, 80% of the catches were composed of the species: macarela (Pacific chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus); pinchagua (thread herrings, Opisthonema spp); Sardine redonda (red-eye round herring, Etrumeus acuminatus); chuhueco (Pacific anchoveta, Cetengraulis mysticetus); botellita (frigate tuna, Auxis spp); and picudillo (Shortfin scad, Decapterus macrosoma). The small pelagic fishery is carried out using purse seine gears, and catches are used for frozen fish, canned fish, and fishmeal, in accordance with Ecuadorian law. The FIP aims to achieve sustainability of small pelagics stocks in Ecuador. The IFFO RS Standard (now known as MarinTrust) was chosen as the initial benchmark for the assessment of a work plan. Since FisheryProgress requires reporting against the MSC standard,  an analysis of MarinTrust versus MSC was carried out to translate the MarinTrust standard to MSC PIs.

The FIP has operated under the MarinTrust Program since October 2018. The MarinTrust Standard guarantees the following:

  • Eradication of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing material used as raw material approved by MarinTrust.
  • Raw materials used in the production of marine ingredients from responsibly managed fisheries.
  • Promotion of efficient production practices for marine ingredients to reduce the environmental impact of the fishmeal and fish oil manufacturing process.
  • Safe manufacture of marine ingredients through Good Manufacturing Practices.
  • Existence of effective traceability systems to ensure that MarinTrust compliant marine ingredients can be traced back to the approved MarinTrust raw material fishery.
  • Protection of social rights and welfare of employees in factories producing marine ingredients.
  • For more information about MarinTrust Standard visit: https://www.marin-trust.com/.

As part of the scope of the FIP, 32 vessels are part of the project and represent around 30% of registered and active fishing efforts. The fishmeal producer members of the project represent around 80% of fishmeal exports, while feed producer members represent around 90% of the local market.

The Ecuadorian small pelagic fishery is economically and socially important for the country. One of the end uses for some species caught in the fishery is the production of fishmeal and fish oil.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
October 01, 2018
54% 4% 7% 36%
Progress Rating (A) Advanced Progress

Reserved for comprehensive FIPs that have achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within the past 12 months.

(B) Good Progress

A basic FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within 12 months.

(C) Some Recent Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months that has never achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result but has reported a Stage 3 activity within the first 12 months.
(D) Some Past Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months BUT has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old AND a Stage 3 activity has been reported within six months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
(E) Negligible Progress
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old, with no Stage 3 activity reported in the last six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months with no Stage 3 activity reported within 12 months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.

The ratings are currently derived by SFP from publicly available data on FIP websites, including FisheryProgress.org, and are determined using the following methodology: View PDF
D Some Past Progress
Actions Complete

This pie chart represents completed environmental actions. Non-completed environmental actions may contain completed sub-tasks that are not illustrated here. For more information on environmental action progress visit the Actions Progress tab.
  • Complete
  • Incomplete
Next Update Due FisheryProgress requires a FIP to provide update reports every six months, and two missed reports will render the FIP inactive. If a report is overdue, this date will appear red.
Jul 2024
Target End Date
Dec 2025
Additional Impacts:
Other

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
National Chamber of Fisheries
Organization Type 
NGO
Primary Contact 
Jimmy Anastacio
Email 
fip@smallpelagics.org
Phone 
(593) 42 306 142
Website Name 
Small Pelagics Sustainability / CNP
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
10971

Overview

NOTE: This FIP went inactive on May 1 2022.

The Thailand longtail tuna purse-seine FIP targeting free-swimming fish schools of Longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol) in the Gulf of Thailand aims to meet sustainability criteria for MSC certification and assist the fisheries to better meet international market requirements.

An initial pre-assessment was completed for longtail tuna caught by purse seiners, operating on both the east (Gulf of Thailand) and west (Andaman Sea) coasts of Thailand in May of 2012 (Banks, 2012). This FIP was part of a wider project seeking to improve management of this species and also address labor and social issues in the fishing industry. The FIP was originally initiated with funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) in 2013, but activities associated with this SIDA funded FIP were suspended in 2015.

A new pre-assessment and associated action plan for longtail tuna was completed in November 2016 (Seilert, 2016) for two Units of Assessment (UoAs); longtail tuna stock in the Gulf of Thailand (GoT) and longtail tuna stock in the Andaman Sea caught by neritic tuna purse seiners (TUNA-PS). Coastal purse seining on tuna in Thailand is divided into 4 types of purse seine fisheries; purse seine fishery utilizing fish aggregating devices (FAD), light luring purse seine fishing (LPS), the Thai purse seine (TPS) and neritic tuna purse seine (TUNA-PS). On average less than 5% of all purse seine catch is comprised of longtail tuna wilt GoT and Andaman Sea fisheries accounting for ~75% and 25% respectively. Neritic tuna purse seiners (TUNA-PS) are the largest purse seine vessels in Thailand (usually over 100 GT) and account for ~92% of all longtail tuna catches in the GoT only around 20% of all longtail tuna catches in the Andaman Sea (MFRDB, 2013).

The results of this new pre-assessment were presented to key Thai stakeholders from industry, government and research agencies in February and April of 2017. Based on previous research using mitochondrial DNA analysis to confirm these are separate stocks (Willette, Santos and Leadbitter, 2016), the allocation of effort by Thai registered fishing vessels and the fleet and fishery characteristics the decision was made to initiate a FIP on the GoT stock only.

This GoT longtail tuna FIP is being facilitated by WWF Thailand, involving partners from the Thailand Department of Fisheries (DoF), the Thai Tuna Industry Association (TTIA) and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC). These four organisation signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on May 29th, 2018 declaring their support for finalising the Longtail Tuna FIP Action Plan and committing their respective organisations to implement activities for which they agree to take responsibility as part of the multi-stakeholder consultation process.

A FIP Steering Committee will be established under an agreement, with foundation members being DoF, TTIA, SEAFDEC and WWF. The FIP Steering Committee will serve as a vehicle for key decision-making and cross-sectoral collaboration to achieve FIP sustainability objectives. From time to time, as needed, ad-hoc members will join this committee to provide expert input and assist with specific issues and concerns.

This longtail tuna FIP aims to increase knowledge about and application of international sustainability standards as well as to improve cross-sector collaboration and enhance fishery traceability. This FIP will also advance the implementation of both national and regional conservation and management of longtail tuna, acknowledging catches of tonggol occurs in EEZs of other countries (i.e. Malaysia, Indonesia) often through joint ventures or fishing agreements.

NOTE: This FIP went inactive on May 1 2022.

The Thailand longtail tuna purse-seine FIP targeting free-swimming fish schools of Longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol) in the Gulf of Thailand aims to meet sustainability criteria for MSC certification and assist the fisheries to better meet international market requirements.

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Thai Tuna Industry Association
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Witchaya Wongkham
Email 
ttia@thaituna.org
Website Name 
TTIA
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
10696

Overview

The Moroccan Anchovy Purse Seine Fishery fishes European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) by purse seine in FAO area 34.

Other caught species include:

  • Sardinella (Sardinella spp.)
  • Horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.)
  • Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus)
  • Mackerel (Scomber spp.)

Perfil de FIP en Español

The Moroccan Anchovy Purse Seine Fishery fishes European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) by purse seine in FAO area 34.

Other caught species include:

  • Sardinella (Sardinella spp.)
  • Horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.)
  • Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus)
  • Mackerel (Scomber spp.)

Perfil de FIP en Español

FIP at a Glance

View current status
May 01, 2019
18% 82%
Progress Rating (A) Advanced Progress

Reserved for comprehensive FIPs that have achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within the past 12 months.

(B) Good Progress

A basic FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within 12 months.

(C) Some Recent Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months that has never achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result but has reported a Stage 3 activity within the first 12 months.
(D) Some Past Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months BUT has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old AND a Stage 3 activity has been reported within six months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
(E) Negligible Progress
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old, with no Stage 3 activity reported in the last six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months with no Stage 3 activity reported within 12 months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.

The ratings are currently derived by SFP from publicly available data on FIP websites, including FisheryProgress.org, and are determined using the following methodology: View PDF
C Some Recent Progress
Actions Complete

This pie chart represents completed environmental actions. Non-completed environmental actions may contain completed sub-tasks that are not illustrated here. For more information on environmental action progress visit the Actions Progress tab.
  • Complete
  • Incomplete
Next Update Due FisheryProgress requires a FIP to provide update reports every six months, and two missed reports will render the FIP inactive. If a report is overdue, this date will appear red.
Aug 2024
Target End Date
Dec 2026

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Federation Nationale des Industries de Tranformation et de Valorisation des Produits de la Peche (FENIP)
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Lamia Znagui
Email 
l.znagui@fenip.com
Phone 
(212) 522 94 48 94
Website Name 
FENIP
Organization Name 
Independent consultant (FIP coordinator)
Organization Type 
Consultant
Primary Contact 
Jo Gascoigne
Email 
jo.gascoigne@cantab.net
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
9872

Overview

The Mauritanian Small Pelagic FIP was initiated by a partnership between the Mauritanian fishery authority, the Mauritanian oceanographic and fisheries research institute (IMROP), local businesses, and international fishmeal and oil buyers. The fishery consists of artisanal and coastal purse seine and pelagic trawl vessels targeting mainly sardine (with some other small pelagics according to availability and current regulations) in Mauritanian waters. The FIP aims to support the government in working towards robust management and long-term sustainability of the resource, and also in other policy aims around improving value-added and support to food security. The MarinTrust Standard was initially chosen as the benchmark for the assessment and work plan but in 2021 a MSC pre-assessment was conducted and the workplan revised so that it now addresses both standards.

This FIP has recently progressed to IFFO RS V2 and has created a new profile to reflect this new benchmarking and actions.

Refocus the fishery on the human consumption market

Following the national policy objective, an increasing proportion of small pelagic landings from the fishery enter human consumption supply chains, rather than FMFO supply chains. FMFO production comes increasingly from byproducts of processing for human. The FIP aims to also support the vessels and factories in improving their systems (quality, handling, sanitary processes, traceability, certifications) and making investments towards human consumption supply chains by:

  • Keeping FIP participants informed about issues around quality, sanitary processes, traceability, international markets etc
  • Working with MPEM to ensure that improvements to infrastructure in the port and factory areas of Nouadhibou continue to be prioritised
  • Supporting factories with certifications

The Mauritanian Small Pelagic FIP was initiated by a partnership between the Mauritanian fishery authority, the Mauritanian oceanographic and fisheries research institute (IMROP), local businesses, and international fishmeal and oil buyers. The fishery consists of artisanal and coastal purse seine and pelagic trawl vessels targeting mainly sardine (with some other small pelagics according to availability and current regulations) in Mauritanian waters.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
August 01, 2017
57% 18% 25%
Progress Rating (A) Advanced Progress

Reserved for comprehensive FIPs that have achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within the past 12 months.

(B) Good Progress

A basic FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within 12 months.

(C) Some Recent Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months that has never achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result but has reported a Stage 3 activity within the first 12 months.
(D) Some Past Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months BUT has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old AND a Stage 3 activity has been reported within six months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
(E) Negligible Progress
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old, with no Stage 3 activity reported in the last six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months with no Stage 3 activity reported within 12 months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.

The ratings are currently derived by SFP from publicly available data on FIP websites, including FisheryProgress.org, and are determined using the following methodology: View PDF
A Advanced Progress
Actions Complete

This pie chart represents completed environmental actions. Non-completed environmental actions may contain completed sub-tasks that are not illustrated here. For more information on environmental action progress visit the Actions Progress tab.
  • Complete
  • Incomplete
Next Update Due FisheryProgress requires a FIP to provide update reports every six months, and two missed reports will render the FIP inactive. If a report is overdue, this date will appear red.
Feb 2024
Target End Date
Dec 2025

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
IMROP
Organization Type 
Other
Primary Contact 
Cheikh-baye Braham
Email 
baye.braham@gmail.com
Website Name 
IMROP
Organization Name 
Olvea
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Jo Gascoigne
Email 
jo.gascoigne@cantab.net
Website Name 
Olvea
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
9490

Overview

Indonesia's Purse Seine tuna fishery is one of the country's most economically important fisheries. In order to address supply chain demand for sustainably sourced tuna, PT Pahala Bahari Nusantara have decided to engage in a comprehensive Fisheries Improvement Program. This FIP encompassess two species, yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), caught by purse seine vessels. The unit of assessment are vessels operating from the Southeast Sulawesi harbour of Kendari, and fishing in the FMAs 713, 714 and 715. There are about 90 active vessels in the fishery, and all are using anchored FADs.

As a multi stakeholder effort, this FIP is managed by Pahala Bahari Nusantara together with WWF Indonesia Seafood Savers, WWF Italy, and Tri Marine, with support from national and provincial governments, academia, Kendari vessel owners and captains, and other related stakeholders.

Indonesia's Purse Seine tuna fishery is one of the country's most economically important fisheries. In order to address supply chain demand for sustainably sourced tuna, PT Pahala Bahari Nusantara have decided to engage in a comprehensive Fisheries Improvement Program. This FIP encompassess two species, yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), caught by purse seine vessels. The unit of assessment are vessels operating from the Southeast Sulawesi harbour of Kendari, and fishing in the FMAs 713, 714 and 715.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
December 01, 2018
14% 39% 46%
Progress Rating (A) Advanced Progress

Reserved for comprehensive FIPs that have achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within the past 12 months.

(B) Good Progress

A basic FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within 12 months.

(C) Some Recent Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months that has never achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result but has reported a Stage 3 activity within the first 12 months.
(D) Some Past Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months BUT has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old AND a Stage 3 activity has been reported within six months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
(E) Negligible Progress
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old, with no Stage 3 activity reported in the last six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months with no Stage 3 activity reported within 12 months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.

The ratings are currently derived by SFP from publicly available data on FIP websites, including FisheryProgress.org, and are determined using the following methodology: View PDF
A Advanced Progress
Actions Complete

This pie chart represents completed environmental actions. Non-completed environmental actions may contain completed sub-tasks that are not illustrated here. For more information on environmental action progress visit the Actions Progress tab.
  • Complete
  • Incomplete
Next Update Due FisheryProgress requires a FIP to provide update reports every six months, and two missed reports will render the FIP inactive. If a report is overdue, this date will appear red.
Jun 2024
Target End Date
Dec 2028

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
FIP Coordinator
Organization Type 
Consultant
Primary Contact 
Sven Blankenhorn
Email 
sven.blankenhorn@live.com
Phone 
+628152522251
Organization Name 
WWF
Organization Type 
NGO
Primary Contact 
Alessandro Buzzi
Email 
abuzzi@wwfmedpo.org
Phone 
+ 39 06 844 97 443
Website Name 
WWF
Organization Name 
PT Pahala Bahari Nusantara
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Fransiska Sonya Puspita
Email 
fishery@pbn.co.id
Phone 
+62 813 6701 4973
Website Name 
PBN / PT Pahala Bahari Nusantara
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
9336

Overview

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Adriatic small pelagic FIP establishing parties was signed in 2016. Signatories of the MoU are WWF Adria, Ministry of Agriculture of Croatia (Directorate of Fisheries) and omega-3 fishery cooperative. A preassessment and scoping document for this fishery was completed in October 2017. The action plan was developed in May 2017 and the FIP launched a year later. This FIP is focused on the Croatian-authorized purse seine fleet targeting sardine in GSA17 and GSA18. The only type of gear used in this fishery is purse seine. 

For full information about the FIP and its progress please refer to the benchmarking files available in the documents section.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Adriatic small pelagic FIP establishing parties was signed in 2016. Signatories of the MoU are WWF Adria, Ministry of Agriculture of Croatia (Directorate of Fisheries) and omega-3 fishery cooperative. A preassessment and scoping document for this fishery was completed in October 2017. The action plan was developed in May 2017 and the FIP launched a year later. This FIP is focused on the Croatian-authorized purse seine fleet targeting sardine in GSA17 and GSA18. The only type of gear used in this fishery is purse seine. 

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
WWF Adria
Organization Type 
NGO
Primary Contact 
Danijel Kanski
Email 
dkanski@wwfadria.org
Website Name 
WWF Adria
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
8501

Overview

Tropical tuna purse seine fishery in the Eastern Atlantic targeting yellowfin, skipjack and bigeye tuna. This area is under the mandate of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), the regional tuna fisheries management organisation (RFMO) in the Atlantic Ocean. This FIP is a multi-stakeholder effort, and it's goal is to support improvement in the management of tuna fisheries in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean so that in the future, consumers can be assured that the purse-seine tuna they purchase has been harvested sustainably. The ultimate aim is to meet the highest standards of sustainable fishing, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard.

Target species: this FIP will consider the following three pelagic tuna species as the target species: skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus).

Fishing methods: this FIP will include the use of purse seines by large (e.g. >60 m) specialist purse seine vessels. Set by these vessels can be made in two different ways: 1. Free-schools: vessels seek (sometimes with the assistance of helicopters) large schools of tuna which are usually fished during daylight. 2. Associated sets: vessels that utilise the natural aggregation of tuna around floating objects to harvest fish. These floating objects can include natural logs (and other large debris), large marine animals such as whale sharks, and around purpose-built drifting FADs.

Fishing area: the fishing area is the Eastern Atlantic Ocean under the jurisdiction of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) e.g. FAO Statistical Areas 34 and 47 including the high seas and tuna fishing zones of Coastal States' waters within these areas.

Fishing fleet: the fishing fleet to be covered by this FIP currently consists of industrial purse seine fishing vessels operating in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean and varying in length from around 50m to 100m.

Note: Currently, Fisheryprogress.org can only track MSC Performance Indicator (PI) Scores for one target species at a time. In the case of this FIP, which encompasses three different types of tuna, PIs will be tracked for the species that is most threatened within the fishery.

 

The Eastern Atlantic tropical tuna Ghana purse seine fishery improvement project targets Atlantic Ocean bigeye (Thunnus obesus), eastern Atlantic Ocean skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), and Atlantic Ocean yellowfin tuna (T. albacares) stocks on the Atlantic Ocean high seas and the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Benin. The fishery sets on both free-school tuna or schools associated with floating objects (FOBs) either naturally occurring such as logs or artificial drifting fish aggregation devices (FADs). All vessels in the fishery are flagged to Ghana and are owned by owned by the fishing companies within the Ghana Tuna Association (GTA). The vessels land in Tema (Ghana). The fishery is managed regionally by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and the Ghana’s Fisheries Act (2002) through the Ghana Fisheries Commission (GFC). The fishing companies have further management measures in place and coastal states management measures also apply depending on where the vessels are operating.

The FIP was originally comprised of vessels flagged to Ghana, France and Spain however as the vessels are under different management measures, the fleets have progressed at different rates whilst working towards achieving MSC certification. To this end, the FIP participants made the decision to divide the FIP into its different components. This FIP will now report on the progress of the Eastern Atlantic Ocean Tropical Tuna Ghana Purse Seine fishery.

Tropical tuna purse seine fishery in the Eastern Atlantic targeting yellowfin, skipjack and bigeye tuna. This area is under the mandate of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), the regional tuna fisheries management organisation (RFMO) in the Atlantic Ocean. This FIP is a multi-stakeholder effort, and it's goal is to support improvement in the management of tuna fisheries in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean so that in the future, consumers can be assured that the purse-seine tuna they purchase has been harvested sustainably.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
January 01, 2018
11% 68% 21%
Progress Rating (A) Advanced Progress

Reserved for comprehensive FIPs that have achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within the past 12 months.

(B) Good Progress

A basic FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within 12 months.

(C) Some Recent Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months that has never achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result but has reported a Stage 3 activity within the first 12 months.
(D) Some Past Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months BUT has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old AND a Stage 3 activity has been reported within six months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
(E) Negligible Progress
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old, with no Stage 3 activity reported in the last six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months with no Stage 3 activity reported within 12 months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.

The ratings are currently derived by SFP from publicly available data on FIP websites, including FisheryProgress.org, and are determined using the following methodology: View PDF
A Advanced Progress
Actions Complete

This pie chart represents completed environmental actions. Non-completed environmental actions may contain completed sub-tasks that are not illustrated here. For more information on environmental action progress visit the Actions Progress tab.
  • Complete
  • Incomplete
Next Update Due FisheryProgress requires a FIP to provide update reports every six months, and two missed reports will render the FIP inactive. If a report is overdue, this date will appear red.
Jun 2024
Target End Date
Dec 2028

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Key Traceability Ltd.
Organization Type 
Consultant
Primary Contact 
Becky caton
Email 
b.caton@keytraceability.com
Website Name 
Key Traceability
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
7547

Overview

The Sustainable Indian Ocean Tuna Initiative (SIOTI) was established in 2017 and comprises major purse seine fleets and canned tuna processors operating in the Indian Ocean. SIOTI successfully concluded the first phase of the FIP between 2017 and 2023 that resulted in all fleet partners being MSC-certified or in full assessment against the standard for skipjack tuna. The successful FIP partnership is, since 2023, now focusing its attention on fishery improvements for yellowfin and bigeye tuna, building on impactful interventions made in the first phase of the FIP while actioning others to ensure that the fishery for both species can achieve the MSC standard by 2028. Hence, the FIP has been rebranded as SIOTI.2, marking the FIP entering a second phase of implementation in 2023.

Target species: SIOTI.2 focuses on the purse seine fishery target species of yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) and bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) 

Fishing methods: The FIP encompasses the use of purse seine gear by large (>60 m LOA) specialist purse seine vessels. Sets by the vessels can be made on free schools of tuna or schools of tuna associated with floating objects

Fishing area: The fishery operates under the jurisdiction of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) in FAO Statistical Areas 51 and 57

Fishing fleets: The SIOTI fleet comprises 27 purse seine vessels flagged to France, Italy, Mauritius, Seychelles and Spain.   

 

The Sustainable Indian Ocean Tuna Initiative (SIOTI) was established in 2017 and comprises major purse seine fleets and canned tuna processors operating in the Indian Ocean. SIOTI successfully concluded the first phase of the FIP between 2017 and 2023 that resulted in all fleet partners being MSC-certified or in full assessment against the standard for skipjack tuna.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
April 01, 2017
21% 43% 36%
Progress Rating (A) Advanced Progress

Reserved for comprehensive FIPs that have achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within the past 12 months.

(B) Good Progress

A basic FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within 12 months.

(C) Some Recent Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months that has never achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result but has reported a Stage 3 activity within the first 12 months.
(D) Some Past Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months BUT has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old AND a Stage 3 activity has been reported within six months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
(E) Negligible Progress
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old, with no Stage 3 activity reported in the last six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months with no Stage 3 activity reported within 12 months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.

The ratings are currently derived by SFP from publicly available data on FIP websites, including FisheryProgress.org, and are determined using the following methodology: View PDF
A Advanced Progress
Actions Complete

This pie chart represents completed environmental actions. Non-completed environmental actions may contain completed sub-tasks that are not illustrated here. For more information on environmental action progress visit the Actions Progress tab.
  • Complete
  • Incomplete
Next Update Due FisheryProgress requires a FIP to provide update reports every six months, and two missed reports will render the FIP inactive. If a report is overdue, this date will appear red.
Jul 2024
Target End Date
Jun 2028

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Thai Union
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Francisco Leotte
Email 
francisco.leotte@thaiunion.com
Phone 
+351 964 602 528
Website Name 
Thai Union
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
4711

Overview

What is a Completed FIP?

Completed FIPs are those that have independent verification that they have achieved their environmental objectives and/or graduated to MSC full assessment or other program assessment. Completed FIPs no longer report on their environmental performance but may choose to voluntarily report on their social performance.

Date of Completion: Oct 2020

Explanation of Completion: In the original scope of the FIP included three UoAs (BET, SKJ and YFT), however only the YFT entered full MSC assessment. A new FIP was launched to address SKJ and BET.

Completion Link

This profile was completed by achieving certification of 1 tuna species, only including yellowfin tuna, and a new profile will address the other two species.

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Ecuadorian fishing firms created TUNACONS in July 2016 as a joint effort to promote a Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP) for purse-seine tuna fisheries. This effort will build a process to achieve Marine Stewardship Council Standard (MSC) certification. Meeting the MSC Standard is widely accepted in global markets with the acknowledgement that a certified fishery’s products come from a sustainable production model.

TUNACONS involves 58 Purse Seine vessels, that represent almost 20% of the fleet operating in the area. The FIP is managed by the Tuna Conservation Group (TUNACONS) together with WWF Ecuador and with the support of the Ecuadorian Ministry of aquaculture and fishing, National Fishery Institute, and EPESPO Fishery School of the EPO

TUNACONS MEMBERS AND VESSELS

  • NEGOCIOS INDUSTRIALES REAL NIRSA S.A.
  1. Drennec.
  2. Elizabeth F.
  3. El Márquez.
  4. Gabriela A.
  5. Gloria A.
  6. María del Mar A.
  7. Milagros A.
  8. Milena A.
  9. Rafa A ..
  10. Ricky A.
  11. Roberto A.
  12. Rosa F.
  13. Via Simoun.
  • GRUPO JADRAN
  1. Reina De La Paz
  2. Diva Maria.
  3. Ljubica.
  4. Juan Pablo II
  • EUROFISH
  1. Rocio – Pesquera Rocio SA
  2. Doña Roge – Pesquera Doña Roge SA
  3. Doña Maruja – Pesquera DoñaMaruja SA
  4. Don Bartolo – Pesquera Don Bartolo SA
  5. Don Igilio– ELVAYKA.
  6. Chiara – ELVAYKA.
  7. Giuletta – ELVAYKA.
  8. Jo Linda – ELVAYKA.
  9. Don Antonio – ELVAYKA
  10. Alina – Transmarina.
  11. Alessia – ELVAYKA.
  12. Adriana – Eurofish.
  13. Miranda – Transmarina.
  • SERVIGRUP
  1. Claudia L.
  2. Domenica L.
  3. Fiorella L.
  4. Malula.
  5. Rossana L.
  6. Panchito L.
  7. Yolanda L.
  • TRIMARINE
  1. Cape Breton.
  2. Cape Cod.
  3. Cape Elizabeth III.
  4. Cape Ferrat.
  5. Cape Finisterre.
  6. Cape May.
  7. Ferrigno Boy
  8. Cape Blanco
  9. Barbara H.

New Members :

  • Marbelize S.A. – PESDEL S.A.
  1. Betty Elizabeth
  2. Fortica
  3. Lizi
  4. Martina C.
  5. Milenka C.
  6. Yelisava
  • MANACRIPEX - GRUPO BUEHS
  1. SOUTHERN QUEEN
  2. CAP. TINO B.
  3. CAP. DANNY B.
  4. BERNARDITA B.
  5. EL CONDE
  6. CAP. BERNY B.
  • PACIFICTUNA 
  1. Antonio H.
  2. Doña Tula

This profile was completed by achieving certification of 1 tuna species, only including yellowfin tuna, and a new profile will address the other two species.

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FIP at a Glance

View current status
July 01, 2016
7% 43% 50%
Progress Rating (A) Advanced Progress

Reserved for comprehensive FIPs that have achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within the past 12 months.

(B) Good Progress

A basic FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within 12 months.

(C) Some Recent Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months that has never achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result but has reported a Stage 3 activity within the first 12 months.
(D) Some Past Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months BUT has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old AND a Stage 3 activity has been reported within six months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
(E) Negligible Progress
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old, with no Stage 3 activity reported in the last six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months with no Stage 3 activity reported within 12 months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.

The ratings are currently derived by SFP from publicly available data on FIP websites, including FisheryProgress.org, and are determined using the following methodology: View PDF
Not yet available
Actions Complete

This pie chart represents completed environmental actions. Non-completed environmental actions may contain completed sub-tasks that are not illustrated here. For more information on environmental action progress visit the Actions Progress tab.
  • Complete
  • Incomplete
Target End Date
Oct 2020

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
TUNACONS - Tuna Conservation Group
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Ing. Guillermo Morán V.
Email 
info@tunacons.orG
Phone 
+593984881516 gmoran@tunacons.org, gamv@gmail.com
Website Name 
TUNACONS.ORG
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
4176

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