The SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII) in partnership with The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) facilitated a 5-day Capacity Building for the 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 from July 12-16, 2023 t London Beach Resort and Hotel.
Part of the said training is the 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. SFFAII Executive Director Rosanna Bernadette Contreras presented the process flow on how to secure an MSC Certificate. According to her the process includes pre-assessment, FIP Formulation, Implementation with Audits, and the Full Assessment.
The Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) eco-labeling program has played a significant role in transforming seafood markets by creating demand for sustainable products. Nowadays, retailers, restaurants, and consumers, choose to purchase MSC-certified seafood in support to sustainable fisheries.
Ms. Contreras explained that there are three (3) Principles to complete the pre-assessment stage. These are the Principle on Sustainable target fish stocks; Environmental Impact of Fishing; and Effective Management. Next on the process as per Ms. Contreras is the Fishery Improvement Project, this is a collaborative and adaptive approach to address the sustainability challenges faced by a specific fishery. It is typically initiated by stakeholders within the seafood industry, including fishers, processors, retailers, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), and other relevant parties.
Moreover, Ms. Contreras said that FIP is established for fisheries that are not yet certified as sustainable by a third-party certification program, such as 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. Contreras 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.
