Longline

Overview

The FIP first launched as the Indian Ocean Albacore Tuna Longline fishery but after a scope extension in October 2021, the fishery now fishery targets albacore (Thunnus alalunga), bigeye (T. obesus) and yellowfin (T. albacares). The pelagic longline vessels are flagged to China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Seychelles and Oman and fish on the high seas of the Indian Ocean and within the EEZ’s of Mauritius, Seychelles, and Madagascar. The fishery is managed regionally by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).

The FIP first launched as the Indian Ocean Albacore Tuna Longline fishery but after a scope extension in October 2021, the fishery now fishery targets albacore (Thunnus alalunga), bigeye (T. obesus) and yellowfin (T. albacares). The pelagic longline vessels are flagged to China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Seychelles and Oman and fish on the high seas of the Indian Ocean and within the EEZ’s of Mauritius, Seychelles, and Madagascar. The fishery is managed regionally by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).

FIP at a Glance

View current status
November 01, 2019
25% 36% 39%
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 2025
Target End Date
Apr 2025
Additional Impacts:
TraceabilityEcosystem

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
KangTai (KT Asia)
Organization Type 
Consultant
Primary Contact 
Tom Evans
Email 
t.evans@keytraceability.com
Website Name 
KangTai (KT Asia)
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.
12226

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: May 2022

Explanation of Completion: This FIP entered MSC full assessment.

Completion Link

Fukuichi Fishery Co., Ltd., a Japanese seafood processing company, conducted a MSC pre-assessment in 2018 for patner fisheries  which operate longline tuna in the Pacific Ocean, Pre-assessment report showed the fishery needs improvement on Principle 2, ecosystem impact, although Principle 1, target stock, and Principle 2, effective management, were conditional pass level. It was identified in the pre-assessment report that one of the weakness of the fishery was limited information/data about bycatch and bait. 

To address the issues and achieve and maintain MSC certification, Fukuichi Fishery launches a FIP which has 2 stages as below:

Stage 1 (Sep 2019 - Aug 2020): lanunch and implement FIP focusing on Principle 2 and partially on P1 and P3

Stage 2 (Sep 2020 - Mar 2022): conduct full-assessment and achive MSC certification

Scope of the fishery:

Target species: yellowfin, albacore and bigeye

Fishing method: pelagic long line

Definition: Japanese vessels with "pelagic long line tuna" license which operate in WCPO and land at Yaizu port

Fukuichi Fishery Co., Ltd., a Japanese seafood processing company, conducted a MSC pre-assessment in 2018 for patner fisheries  which operate longline tuna in the Pacific Ocean, Pre-assessment report showed the fishery needs improvement on Principle 2, ecosystem impact, although Principle 1, target stock, and Principle 2, effective management, were conditional pass level. It was identified in the pre-assessment report that one of the weakness of the fishery was limited information/data about bycatch and bait. 

FIP at a Glance

View current status
November 01, 2019
29% 25% 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
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
Mar 2023

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Fukuichi Fishery Co., Ltd.
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Hiroshi Kondoh
Email 
hi-kondoh@fukuichi.gr.jp
Phone 
+81-54-622-1211
Website Name 
Fukuichi Fishery Co., Ltd.
Organization Name 
Yaizu Fisheries Cooperative
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Yasuharu Aoki
Email 
yaizu-shougai@yaizu-gyokyo.or.jp
Organization Name 
Japan Fisheries Certification Support
Organization Type 
Consultant
Primary Contact 
Makoto Suzuki
Email 
makoto.suzuki@fish-support.jp
Phone 
+81-80-5186-0177
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.
12073

Overview

The EU surface longline fleet has been concentrating efforts on the implementation of national and regional strategies for the conservation of their target species including measures such as minimizing incidental catches, collaborating with the scientific community, and finning bans.

In 2014, an MSC pre-assessment was conducted for all swordfish and blue shark stocks, and in 2016, the fishery was close to meeting the MSC standard for north and south Atlantic swordfish. Focus on improvements for all the fleet operations moved towards promoting the creation of a FIP for all swordfish (Xiphias gladius ) and blue shark (Prionace glauca ) stocks for the North and South Atlantic Ocean, the Western and Central Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

The industry community recently created the ANECTEAM association to work together with the EU surface longline fleet. ANECTEAM is focused on getting visibility and recognition from the consumers, raising public and environmental NGO opinions about efforts to boost sustainability, encouraging distribution chains to purchase the fishery's products, and increasing recognition at the international level of a sustainable industry and fleet that is allowed to trade in fins and shark meat. This FIP represents 4 shipowners' associations (90 % catches EU fleet), 14 supply chain companies (80 % UE), and 160 fishing vessels (95% of EU fishing vessels in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans).

Due to their migratory nature and extensive distribution throughout several oceans, the management of swordfish and blue shark is carried out internationally by RFMOs (ICCAT, IOTC, IATTC, and WCPFC) through a system of catch totals (TAC)

Based on the MSC pre-assessment for the North and South Atlantic Spanish longline fishery in 2014 and a MSC full assessment in 2016 for swordfish, previously conducted, the scoring was updated in 2019 following the last MSC standard 2018; a new scoring was also carried out for blue shark according to last ICCAT assessment for BSH conducted in 2015 -edited in 2017- and mako shark for Principe 2 in 2017 (see full information in the Scoping Doc). A number of Performance Indicators (Pis) were scored so that the fishery would fail under a full MSC assessment (SG <60) and required conditions for other PIs (SG 60-79). The general objective is to increase the PIs (scored <60 or 60-79) to SG>80.

The FIP Blues has been originally designed to be implemented in three oceans: Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian. The present FIP will start by implementing the actions in the Atlantic ocean since the full MSC Assesment was focused on these fisheries, both north and south stocks. At the same time, in the subsequent years after the beginning of the tasks for the Atlantic, we will develop the Work Plan Action for the other oceans´ swordfish and blue shark fisheries.

The EU surface longline fleet has been concentrating efforts on the implementation of national and regional strategies for the conservation of their target species including measures such as minimizing incidental catches, collaborating with the scientific community, and finning bans.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
October 01, 2019
7% 32% 61%
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.
May 2025
Target End Date
Dec 2024
Additional Impacts:
TraceabilityEcosystemOther

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
ANECTEAM (Asociación Nacional de Empresas Comercializadoras y Transformadores de Especies Altamente Migratorias)
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Emilio Martínez
Email 
milo@espaderos.com
Phone 
+34 986 243 480
Website Name 
ANECTEAM and Project Promoters (FIP BLUES)
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.
11890

Overview

The Indonesian Longline Tuna FIP is being launched in November 2019. In the beginning, the FIP consisted of 17 Indonesian fishing and tuna processing companies, and the Indonesian Tuna Longline Association (ATLI). The number of participants is now 40 companies as is in January 2023, with 21 fishing companies and 19 tuna processing companies. The FIP intends to make national level change in policy and change in the water for the entire longline fishery. The FIP aims to improve fishing practices for Indonesian Longline fishers operating in the Indian Ocean. The FIP also aims to meet the increasing demand for tuna caught by Longlines that operate in a responsible and sustainable manner by complying with the management measures issued by the National Government and the IOTC. The scope of the fishery includes Yellowfin (Thunnus albacares), Bigeye (Thunnus obesus), Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) and Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in the Indian Ocean,  ZEE and on the High Sea.

The Indonesian Longline Tuna FIP is being launched in November 2019. In the beginning, the FIP consisted of 17 Indonesian fishing and tuna processing companies, and the Indonesian Tuna Longline Association (ATLI). The number of participants is now 40 companies as is in January 2023, with 21 fishing companies and 19 tuna processing companies. The FIP intends to make national level change in policy and change in the water for the entire longline fishery. The FIP aims to improve fishing practices for Indonesian Longline fishers operating in the Indian Ocean.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
November 01, 2019
21% 32% 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 2025
Target End Date
Dec 2029

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Indonesia Tuna Longline Association (ATLI)
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Nyoman Sudarta
Email 
atli.bali@gmail.com
Phone 
+62361727399
Website Name 
Indonesia National Longline Tuna FIP
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.
11771

Overview

This FIP has entered into the full assessment process for MSC certification and remains active on FisheryProgress, but reporting requirements are reduced. The FIP no longer reports on environmental progress but will confirm its full assessment status at each progress report due date. The FIP will continue meet the social responsibility progress reporting requirements until it achieves MSC certification.

Date Entered Full Assessment: Mar 2024

In Full Assessment Link

The fishery being assessed is comprised of pelagic longline vessels that target albacore tuna with incidental catch of bigeye and yellowfin tunas, fishing on the high seas of the Pacific Ocean. The agent vessels are managed by the Liancheng Overseas Fishery (Shenzhen) Company, and are flagged to China, Taiwan, the Federated States of Micronesia and Fiji. From time to time and where permitted, the vessels may fish in national EEZs including Cook Islands, FSM, Fiji, and Vanuatu. It is assumed in this pre-assessment that management within these EEZs is at least equal to the high seas.

The fishery being assessed is comprised of pelagic longline vessels that target albacore tuna with incidental catch of bigeye and yellowfin tunas, fishing on the high seas of the Pacific Ocean. The agent vessels are managed by the Liancheng Overseas Fishery (Shenzhen) Company, and are flagged to China, Taiwan, the Federated States of Micronesia and Fiji. From time to time and where permitted, the vessels may fish in national EEZs including Cook Islands, FSM, Fiji, and Vanuatu. It is assumed in this pre-assessment that management within these EEZs is at least equal to the high seas.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
September 01, 2019
11% 43% 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
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
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 2025
Target End Date
Sep 2025

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.
11643

Overview

The Panama Republic is a relatively small country in surface (75,000 Km2), but has a substantial biological potential as seafood producing country thanks to its geographic location. Panama coasts add up to 2,988 kilometers, 1,700 in the Pacific and 1,288 in the Caribbean. The continental shelf has an extension of 250,900 Km2 and the Exclusive Economic Zone reaches 319,188 Km2.

The fishing activity in Panama occurs mostly in the Pacific Ocean with 95% of the total. The Gulf of Panama upwelling during the dry season is the basis for the relevant fishing activities in the Panamanian waters. The industrial fishing operates in the Pacific Ocean and focus on shrimp, small pelagics for reduction, tuna, dolphin fish and finfish species, being the export markets the main objective. Except for tuna and dolphin fish, the rest of the target species are in critical status.

At the end of last century, the tuna and dolphin fish longline fishery had a strong and important evolution in terms of income and generation of jobs. The export of fresh tuna and dolphin fish initially, and later the frozen presentations were the factors boosting the Panama exports. The growing demand and the seasonal abundance of these transnational resources, generated the fishing effort increment with the inclusion of all kind of vessels, including shrimp trawlers transformed and adapted to the target species and market.

According to the IATTC, the tuna and dolphin fish stocks in the Eastern Pacific Ocean are not overexploited but close to their maximum yield. However, the generalized lack of biological information of the target species and the fishery environmental impacts difficult the design and implementation of harvest strategies and harvest control rules which would allow to maintain the target species populations at healthy levels, mitigate the environmental impacts and satisfy the increasing social and environmental responsibility demands at the markets for the Panamanian production.

The fishery being assessed is the Marpesca Panama longline fishery. The fishery operates in the Eastern Pacific Ocean high seas and Panama EEZ and targets yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus). The fishery is regionally managed by the Inter American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC).

The Panama Republic is a relatively small country in surface (75,000 Km2), but has a substantial biological potential as seafood producing country thanks to its geographic location. Panama coasts add up to 2,988 kilometers, 1,700 in the Pacific and 1,288 in the Caribbean. The continental shelf has an extension of 250,900 Km2 and the Exclusive Economic Zone reaches 319,188 Km2.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
January 01, 2020
32% 25% 14% 29%
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.
Nov 2024
Target End Date
Jan 2027

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Marpesca Fishing
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Saky Lymberopulos
Email 
sakyl@marpesca.com
Website Name 
Marpesca Seafood
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.
11639

Overview

The FIP first launched as the Western and Central Pacific albacore and yellowfin tuna longline FIP but after a scope extension in October 2021 and again in August 2022, the fishery now targets albacore (Thunnus alalunga), bigeye (Thunnus obesus), skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). The longline vessels are flagged to China, Taiwan, Fiji, Vanuatu and Panama and fish on the high seas and within the EEZ’s of Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, USA (American Samoa), Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The fishery is managed regionally by the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) in the WCPO and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATCC) in the EPO.

The FIP first launched as the Western and Central Pacific albacore and yellowfin tuna longline FIP but after a scope extension in October 2021 and again in August 2022, the fishery now targets albacore (Thunnus alalunga), bigeye (Thunnus obesus), skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares

FIP at a Glance

View current status
June 01, 2019
4% 39% 57%
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.
Jun 2025
Target End Date
Jun 2025
Additional Impacts:
TraceabilityEcosystem

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
KangTai (KT Asia)
Organization Type 
Consultant
Primary Contact 
Tom Evans
Email 
t.evans@keytraceability.com
Website Name 
KangTai (KT Asia)
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.
11122

Overview

The multi-species longline fishery targeting highly migratory large pelagic species as tuna, swordfish and mahi mahi, is of crucial environmental, social and economic importance in Costa Rica for coastal livelihoods and the processing and export industries. It is the most relevant seafood sector in the country for the international markets; specifically, the US, which imports 80% of the landed volume. Additionally, domestic consumption of these three species has increased recently. Costa Rican commercial fleet mainly uses surface longline as fishing gear and complementary a fiberglass pole is carrying on for green stick fishing. Approximately, 350 vessels are registered (please, visit full list is in Memorandum of Understanding section), ranging from 12 m to 25 m in length, denominated medium and advance. The main Pacific fishing communities for these species are Cuajiniquil, Puntarenas, Quepos and Golfito. This is a national FIP that encompasses the total medium and advance-type longline vessels fishing in the Pacific Ocean.

The Costa Rica large pelagics fishery with longline and greenstick targets the Eastern Pacific Ocean stocks of the yellowfin tuna (YFT; Thunnus albacares), Swordfish (SWO; Xiphias gladius) and Mahi mahi (DOL; Coryphaena hippurus). The fishery occurs in and outside the Costa Rica Exclusive Economic Zone and in the international waters under the management of the Inter American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC).

Several species of tunas, billfishes and sharks, among others, are primary and secondary species, and olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is the most abundance endangered, threatened and protected species (ETP) of this fishery.

INCOPESCA is the institution that manages, regulates and promotes the development of the fishing and aquaculture sector with an ecosystem approach, under the principles of sustainability, social responsibility and competitiveness. The National Coast Guard System (SNG) is responsible for monitoring and surveillance at sea.

The main regulation instrument is the Fisheries and Aquaculture Law No. 8436 of 2005 and its Norm. INCOPESCA's highest institutional authority is the Board of Directors (Law 7384, the law creating the Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture) and its purpose is to direct and establish institutional policies for compliance with the laws governing the country's fisheries and aquaculture. Executive Decree No. 38681 MAG-MINAE for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Costa Rican Pacific Ocean establishes zoning and regulation for these species. The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Plan guides this sector.

Costa Rica is a member of the Organization of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of the Central American Isthmus (OSPESCA), the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (CIAT) and the Inter-American Convention on the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles (IAC), which establishes binding resolutions and conservation measures in the country.

To improve the sustainability performance of this fishery, an alliance between Costa Rican Fishery and Aquaculture Institute (INCOPESCA), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), producers, exporters, a group of US supply chain actors, and United Nation Development Program (UNDP) along with fisheries in Costa Rica have come together to start a Fishery Improvement Project. FIP will be led in country and receive support from market chain actors.

Lead FIP participants from Costa Rica are organized under a FIP working group included in the National Sustainable Fishery Platform for Large Pelagic, a multi-stakeholder dialogue forum facilitated by UNDP and participated by all national stakeholders linked to the large pelagic fisheries in country. The National FIP working group that will lead implementation of the project is composed by:

  • Costa Rican Fishery and Aquaculture Institute (INCOPESCA)
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG)
  • National Longline Fishing Sector: Cámara Nacional de la Industria Palangrera (CNIP); Cámara de pescadores artesanales de Puntarenas (CAPAP); Cámara de pescadores de Quepos; Cámara de pescadores de Guanacaste; Cámara de pescadores de Golfito; CAMAPUN; UNIPESCA. 
  • Exporters Association- CANEPP Cámara Nacional de Exportadores de Productos Pesqueros y Acuícolas (CANEPP)
  • MARTEC
  • FRUMAR
  • UNDP

Participants from the Supply Chain have organized under a Market Support Group. As such, US participants in the FIP, provide assistance to the project through financial support arising from a percentage of the sales. Market Support Group is formed by:

  • Chefs Trading
  • Trinity Seafood
  • Seattle Fish Company
  • Frequentz

The National Sustainable Fishery Platform for Large Pelagic is an initiative framed within the UNDP’s International Green Commodities Programme and the Global Sustainable Supply Chains for Marine Commodities, a joint programme implemented by UNDP and the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP), who has provided support and technical advice during FIP development.

The multi-species longline fishery targeting highly migratory large pelagic species as tuna, swordfish and mahi mahi, is of crucial environmental, social and economic importance in Costa Rica for coastal livelihoods and the processing and export industries. It is the most relevant seafood sector in the country for the international markets; specifically, the US, which imports 80% of the landed volume. Additionally, domestic consumption of these three species has increased recently.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
April 01, 2019
43% 25% 29% 4%
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
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.
Sep 2025
Target End Date
Dec 2027
Additional Impacts:
TraceabilityOther

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Federación Nacional de Cámaras de la Industria Palangrera, Artesanal y Afines
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Robert Nunes
Email 
hanaapa@yahoo.com
Phone 
+506 7007 0767
Website Name 
FEDENAP
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.
11043

Overview

Afritex is an investment holding company with strategic interests in African based fishing operations that markets seafood to a global base of customers. Through its subsidiary companies, Afritex operates two longline tuna and swordfish operations – (a) one in Port Louis (Mauritius), and the other (b) in Beira (Mozambique). All vessels are now flagged to Mozambique.

a)  Afritex Fishing Ltd (Mauritius)
Longline fishing operation based in Port Louis (Mauritius), with commercial quay-side packing and processing facility, and owned fleet of vessels. Fishing in waters of Mauritius, the primary focus is fresh tuna (mainly YFT) and swordfish. The product is distributed fresh by airfreight, as well as processed seafood for retail ready lines, such as tuna, swordfish, dorado and other associated by-catch.

b)  Pescamoz
Longline fishing company based in the port of Beira (Mozambique). It comprises a processing facility and self-owned fleet of longline vessels. Primary focus is on the export of fresh tuna and swordfish, as well as processing a range of retail lines from tuna, swordfish, and dorado.

Afritex is an investment holding company with strategic interests in African based fishing operations that markets seafood to a global base of customers. Through its subsidiary companies, Afritex operates two longline tuna and swordfish operations – (a) one in Port Louis (Mauritius), and the other (b) in Beira (Mozambique). All vessels are now flagged to Mozambique.

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Afritex
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Felipe Lobo
Email 
filipe@afritexventures.com
Website Name 
Afritex Ventures
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.
10861

Overview

The Malaysian Swordfish fishery is governed by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), with actions implemented by the Government of Malaysia. The FIP for this fishery began in 2018 and has made significant governance improvements since. Efforts between 2018 and 2020 were focused on electronic reporting and monitoring for better control of the fishery’s catch; for example, FIP participants took part in the Regional Observer Program for carrier vessels and fishing vessels to monitor transshipment at sea, and the Department of Fisheries in Malaysia has installed CCTV on every vessel including IBU WIRA 1, IBU WIRA 2 & IBU WIRA 3. These are major achievements that increase oversight of the fishery tremendously and represent a considerable score increase on Principle 3 (Governance) of the Marine Stewardship Council standard, compliance and enforcement (3.2.3). 

In 2023 the major FIP action, in addition to regular catch reporting, will be to review vessel practices against the requirements in the applicable IOTC resolutions for mitigating risks to ETP species.  

The Malaysian Swordfish fishery is governed by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), with actions implemented by the Government of Malaysia. The FIP for this fishery began in 2018 and has made significant governance improvements since.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
August 01, 2018
21% 32% 39% 7%
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.
May 2025
Target End Date
Dec 2026

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
SYM-PAC International
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Jason Yabiku
Email 
jason@sympacinc.com
Organization Name 
The Sustainability Incubator
Organization Type 
Consultant
Primary Contact 
Katrina Nakamura
Email 
katrina@sustainability-incubator.com
Website Name 
The Sustainability Incubator
Organization Name 
Fong Hsiang Ent Co Pt Ltd
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Jochanan Liew
Email 
ochanan@fonghsiang.com.sg
Website Name 
Fong Hsiang
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.
9724

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