CRAMAC5 vessels will continue to proudly display the Friend of the Sea seal of approval.
Lobsters are caught by potting in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, in the specific area of Canterbury and Marlborough known as CRA5. This method has a minimal by-catch and a very low impact on the seabed. The audit activity, including on-board observations, has confirmed the total absence of banned fishing gears and methods, chemical substances or explosives.
CRAMAC5 fully complies with the comprehensive program of monitoring, surveillance, control and enforcement implemented by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries. A comprehensive traceability system is in place in order to guarantee that all Friend of the Sea requirements are fulfilled and that no mixing occurs between certified and non-certified origins.
“For nearly two decades CRAMAC5 has been working hard to make sure that lobster resources are well-looked after and the fishing activity meets appropriate environmental standards,” explains Mr Wichman of CRAMAC5.
“We are proud that Friend of the Sea certification has been renewed, as it validates our continuous efforts.”
NZ RLIC Executive Office acknowledged the efforts made by CRAMAC5 to achieve re-certification by Friend of the Sea. “External third party validation of the Canterbury/Marlborough lobster industry is a suitable reward for the enterprise and innovation shown by the CRAMAC 5 membership over many years,” said Mr Sykes.
“The duty of care shown by industry is clearly to the benefit of the lobster resource and to all legitimate harvesters.”
