Ocean Rover factory vessel belonging to American Seafoods. (Photo Credit: American Seafoods)
American Seafoods settles flow scale cases for USD 1.75m
UNITED STATES
Wednesday, October 15, 2014, 22:40 (GMT + 9)
American Seafoods Company has agreed to pay a combined civil penalty of USD 1.75 million to settle three civil enforcement cases involving flow scales on board its fishing vessels.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had reported that the flow scales were inaccurate at specific times during specific seasons on three of American Seafoods’ vessels.
“We are satisfied with the outcome of these cases, which highlighted the complexities of operating, maintaining, calibrating and testing sensitive equipment like flow scales in the demanding environment of an at-sea processor,” said Inge Andreassen, President of American Seafoods Company. “Our cooperative dialogue with NOAA has helped us improve our internal procedures and, we believe, will improve the agency’s oversight of flow scale matters throughout the fleet.”
The negotiated resolution eliminates the need for a hearing that was scheduled to occur later this month. American Seafoods had requested the hearing last fall and fully cooperated with NOAA throughout its investigation and the formal discovery process.
Since it was first made aware of the allegations, American Seafoods has led the industry by supplementing its already strict compliance policy with the following enhanced flow scale compliance measures:
- Adding and improving the placement of cameras that monitor the flow-scale area;
- Implementing new testing protocols;
- Conducting independent, third-party audits of flow scale records following each season;
- Creating a compliance hotline for people to confidentially and anonymously report regulatory concerns; and
- Improving the training of our personnel on flow scale maintenance and operation.
“American Seafoods is committed to continue working with the management professionals at NOAA, the regional fishery management councils and other industry members to ensure that continued accurate catch accounting remains part of the world’s most sustainable and responsible fisheries management system,” said Andreassen in a statement.
Related article:
- American Seafoods Company fined for tampering with scales
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