Eco Labeling/ Catch Certification
(
Private sector
)
#OceanAction41699
Description
Fiji lies outside the main migratory path for the high valued tuna species in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. With the continued downward trend in catch for the dominant tuna species (Albacore tuna) in Fijian waters, Fiji needs to get the optimum value of what little fleets catch in order for vessel operators to stay afloat in difficult economic periods.
The ability to trace fish from where they were landed to when they are purchased by consumers is very important to ensure specific fish species remain at sustainable levels.
Certified fisheries must comply with set criteria to ensure long term sustainability of marine resources. Regular audits will be conducted by accredited individuals on certified fisheries annually to ensure that conditions of the certification are complied with.
A portion of Fijis domestic tuna longline fleet fishes in Fijis Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), with caught albacore tuna falling under the Marine Stewardship Council certification. This certification benefits 34 Fiji flagged long line fishing vessel that provide the opportunity to supply markets where environment credibility pays an increasing role in purchasing decisions. The current certificate for the 34 Fiji flagged vessels was issued in 2013 and will expire in December 2017.
A new assessment is currently being carried out by Acoura Marine Limited of Scotland, United Kingdom and the new certification proposes to extend into the three high seas adjacent to Fijis EEZ and to include yellowfin tuna. This new certification will definitely increase the number of vessels participating and offers the market with an alternative species for the export market.
The economic benefits from this new certification will greatly impact into the Fijian economy and ensure the good health of our marine environment and resources.
The new certification will increase demand on authorities to ensure that the traceability of the certified vessels and fish species are not undermined. In this regard, the role the Ministry of Fisheries in this whole exercise is critical.
Under the new partnership between the Ministry of Fisheries, the Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA), World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and FFIA we have come up with a project having the following activities:
1. MSC Certification: FFIA and WWF will work together to secure funding for the reassessment of the existing certificate.
2. By-catch mitigation: FFIA, WWF and FMA will develop curriculum for seafarers on fishing vessels in relation to by-catch mitigation.
3. Offshore Fisheries Stakeholder Platform: The Ministry of Fisheries, in collaboration with WWF, will implement the legislated consultative framework that is in place under the Offshore Fisheries Management Act 2012 that will provide advice to the Minister on the sustainable management of our offshore fisheries.
NGO: World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF)
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 14.4 | By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics |
Deliverables & Timeline
Resources mobilized
Partnership Progress
| Title | Progress Status | Submitted |
|---|---|---|
| Partnership Progress 2018-10-26 | On track |
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Timeline
Entity
SDGs
Geographical coverage
Other beneficiaries
2) Employees in the Fijian Fishing Industry
3) Transport
4) Manufacturing and services sectors
5) General public and
International consumers.
Ocean Basins
Website/More information
Countries
Contact Information
Anare Raiwalui, Mr