MarinTrust Improver Program accepts first sites from FIPs in Asia and Africa

The first production site of the Mauritanian small pelagic fishery and an Indian sardine oil fishery improvement project have had their first facilities accepted into the MarinTrust Improver Program.

The MarinTrust certification program, formerly known as IFFO RS, is a global marine ingredient standard for responsible supply, with requirements based on the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. These include measures relating to stock status, resource management strategies, control and monitoring at sea and unloading points, impact on protected species and the environment, and governance that meets the need of the fishery and allows participation by all industry stakeholders.

In October 2019, both the Mauritanian small pelagic fishery FIP and the Indian sardine oil FIP (located in Goa and Maharashtra) were the first applicants from Africa and Asia accepted onto the MarinTrust Improver Program. The focus of the Mauritanian FIP has been to improve data-collection efforts on the fishery, landings, and stocks, as well as the creation of a fishery management plan. The FIP is operated by Atyfen SARL, partnered with local stakeholders.

The Indian sardine oil FIP has been working to improve the living conditions and efficiency of its fishermen, improve the fishery's management and governance, and eneact a traceability program for its supply chain. The FIP is currently led by Omega Fishmeal and Oil, in collaboration with both national and local stakeholders.

Processing facilities for both of these FIPs passed a third-party audit are now certified as part of the MarinTrust Improver Program. In order to maintain that status, they must continue to comply with annual requirements created by their certification bodies and the FIPs must demonstrate continual improvements in line with their fisheries action plans.

Photo courtesy of MarinTrust