Friend of the Sea renews certification for SAPMER

Milan, Italy-based Friend of the Sea recently announced the renewal of its certification for the Indian Ocean purse-seine fishery, SAPMER.

The renewal means SAPMER can continue to feature the Friend of the Sea logo on its products, according to the certification standard. The Reunion Island-based SAPMER, which was founded in 1947, operates a fleet of four deep-freezer longliners fishing for Patagonian toothfish and a pot vessel fishing for rock lobster in the French Austral Seas.

Fifteen years ago, the company initiated its tropical tuna activities in the Indian Ocean, and now commandeers nine super-freezer purse seiners for yellowfin and skipjack. Among SAPMER’s tuna offerings are loins, steaks, and center cuts, as well as products in jars, cans, and more. The items are sold directly to end-users courtesy of the company’s direct-to-consumers shop, Les COMPTOIRS SAPMER (COUNTER).

Friend of the Sea Founder and Director Paolo Bray said SAPMER’s devotion to sustainability is evident and enduring.

“SAPMER has developed a company culture that prioritizes sustainability and promotes its best practices through certification by independent recognized third-parties. Men and women of SAPMER at sea and on shore are totally committed to a responsible and sustainable fishing approach,” Bray said in a press release.

A comprehensive human regional observer program operated by Bureau Veritas covers SAPMER’s tuna fleet, it said. The company group also complies with Dolphin Safe, as well as Friend of the Sea’s WILD and FAD-Free certifications, the organization noted. Additionally, SAPMER engages in the Indian Ocean Fishery improvement project (FIP SIOTI) and is a participating company of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF).

“The FAD-free certification identifies tuna caught on free school to meet the specific demands of certain consumers. When looking for FAD-free fish, be sure that certification comes from a trusted, verified source, such as Friend of the Sea. Friend of the Sea certification process includes a rigorous audit of a company’s methods and facilities. The review also takes a deep, detailed look at the production processes, including energy usage, pollution, use of materials and social policies regarding employees and the surrounding community,” Friend of the Sea said.

Photo courtesy of Friend of the Sea