Yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) and skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) tunas from the certified vessels operating in Western Central Pacific Ocean (FAO Area 71) are now authorised to carry the Friend of the Sea eco-label.
F.C.F. Fishery successfully completed assessment against FOS standard for sustainable and well managed fisheries.
Targeted tuna stocks of yellowfin and skipjack are considered to be not overexploited in the Western Pacific according to the latest assessments. No protected areas are affected by the fishing activity.
F.C.F. Fishery certified tuna originates from purse seiners responsible fishing policies aiming at bycatch and discards reduction.
The company and vessels' crews have been audited also for Social Accountability and have been found to be compliant with Friend of the Sea requirements. Waste management system is in place to avoid pollution at sea and in the harbours.
"We received market requests for Friend of the Sea certified tuna," explained Mr Chris Hsu, Vice President of F.C.F. Fishery.
"The audit requirements are very strict so we are proud to have obtained the certification for some of our purse seiners. We will continue to rely on Friend of the Sea to increase the number of certified vessels."
"FCF certification provides FOS processing companies with a wider availability of certified tuna," commented Dr Paolo Bray, Director of Friend of the Sea.
"Friend of the Sea is now de facto the standard for sustainable tuna as the greatest majority of the tuna industry has applied for our certification."
