The SARGEN Handline Fisheries Improvement Project has received an “A” (Advanced Progress) rating from Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP), up from its previous “C” rating. FisheryProgress notified the project of the update on August 14, 2026.
SFP evaluates fishery improvement projects through its FIP Evaluation Program, rating them on the progress shown in their environmental reporting. The updated rating now appears on the FIP’s FisheryProgress profile and its FishSource tracker. In its FishSource comment, SFP credited the upgrade to the FIP’s implementation of its Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) Species Policy, which was formally adopted through a ceremonial signing on March 12, 2026.
The FIP’s FisheryProgress profile also shows the project addressing 27 of 28 indicators, with its progress report up to date as of October 2026.
The rating reflects the combined work of SARGEN Handline members, vessel owners, captains and crew, FFSAPI, GS Pescador Seatrading Corporation, BFAR, and other partners. The FIP will build on this milestone as it continues working toward MSC certification by 2027.
