The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in partnership with the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII) facilitated a 3-day Capacity Building for the 3rd Batch of Officers and Crew of Commercial Tuna Handline Fishing Vessels on Sustainable Fisheries Management, Responsible Fishing Operations, Proper Fish Handling Onboard, catch documentation, and practical navigation was organized by from November 15-18, 2023 at London Beach Resort and Hotel.
One of the sessions is the Orientation on the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) eco-labeling program and FFSAPI-SARGEN Handline Fishery Improvement Project for the Commercial Tuna Handliners of General Santos City. The said orientation was facilitated by SFFAII Project Officer Shalimar Abduraman who presented the process flow on how to secure an MSC Certificate. According to Ms. Abduraman, the process includes pre-assessment, FIP Formulation, Implementation with Audits, and the Full Assessment.
Ms. Abduraman also presented Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) eco-labeling program significant role in transforming seafood markets by creating demand for sustainable products. According to her, nowadays, retailers, restaurants, and consumers, choose to purchase MSC-certified seafood in support to sustainable fisheries.
The three (3) Principles to complete the pre-assessment stage was also presented by Ms. Abduraman. Part of which is the Principle on Sustainable target fish stocks; Environmental Impact of Fishing; and Effective Management. Next on the process as per Ms. Abduraman is the Fishery Improvement Project, this is a collaborative and adaptive approach focused on rebuilding and maintaining fish stocks at sustainable levels. She explained that FIP is typically initiated by stakeholders within the seafood industry, including fishers, processors, retailers, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), and other relevant parties.
Ms. Abduraman explained that FIP is established to help fisheries that are not yet certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), but have the potential to achieve sustainability with targeted efforts. These projects can cover a range of issues, including overfishing, bycatch reduction, habitat protection, data collection and analysis, and improved management practices.
Lastly, Ms. Abduraman encouraged the participating Commercial Tuna Handliners to aim for the MSC Certification for this will contribute to the assurance of conservation of marine ecosystems, the protection of vulnerable species, and the long-term viability of the seafood industry.
