Two processing vessels operated by PPLP achieve FISH certification

Two processing vessels, owned by Phoenix Processors Limited Partnership (PPLP), the M/V Excellence and the M/V Phoenix, have achieved the FISH Standard for Crew Certification. 

The vessels operate as American flagged vessels in the Alaska pollock and Pacific whiting fisheries.

“FISH certification affirms our company’s long-standing dedication to safe operations and responsible treatment of our crew,” PPLP President and CEO John Henderschedt said. “With our customers increasingly interested in the welfare of workers within their supply chain, the FISH certification provides us an independent process to demonstrate we have achieved, and maintain, the highest levels of performance with respect to crew treatment, compensation and on-board conditions.”

The FISH Standard for Crew is a third-party certification program focused on ensuring ethical labor practices in wild-caught fisheries, specifically on vessels. Seafood buyers of certified vessels can be assured the seafood is harvested with crews that are: recruited and hired ethically, treated with respect on the vessel, paid properly, and have a process to address grievances.

“We are pleased to see yet another outstanding organization like PPLP be recognized for its commitment to its crew and vessel operations,” FISH’s Board of Directors Chair and Chief Human Resources Officer at Brim Fridrik Fridriksson said. “We believe programs like FISH have a role to play in giving confidence to the supply chain that seafood from sources such as PPLP is coming from crew that are treated with respect and fairness.”

The M/V Phoenix has a crew of 117 and produces fillet and mince block, as well as surimi and pollock roe. The M/V Excellence supports a crew of 148 and produces surimi, fillet block, fish meal, fish oil, and pollock roe.

The certificaiton of the two vessels has PPLP joining Novanam and the At-Sea Processors Association, which operate in the Namibian exclusive economic zone and U.S. waters, respectively, as the first three companies with certified vessels. FISH is continuing to work with organizations globally, including countries such as Papua New Guinea, Iceland, Australia, and Canada, to advance its certification program.

Photo courtesy of PPLP/Instagram