Yellowfin, Skipjack, Bigeye and Albacore tuna from the purse seiners are thus eligible to carry the Friend of the Sea eco-label. The fleet successfully completed assessment against Friend of the Sea standards for sustainable and well managed fisheries. Part of CFTO fleet operates in the Atlantic ocean (FAO areas 34 and 47), the other part in the Indian ocean (FAO areas 51 and 57).
All vessels are registered with the ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) and the IOTC (Indian Ocean Tuna Commission) and they fish in accordance with these two RFMO recommendations. The fleet is also recognized by the Earth Island Institute as Dolphin-Safe.
CFTO has a responsible fishing policy aimed at minimizing the impact on immature fish and other associated species. By-catch are no more than 2.6 per cent of the total. Use of non entangling nets reduces FADs unwanted impact. Proper handling of by catch reduces mortality
“Friend of the Sea audit requirements are very strict so we are proud to have obtained the certification,” explains Mr Kuhn, President of CFTO/ SOVETCO.
“We will continue to rely on Friend of the Sea to improve our commitment to the marine environment and to social accountability.”
