Tuna sector representatives met with AZTI researchers. (Photo: AZTI-Tecnalia)
Good practice code boosted in tuna freezer industry
(SPAIN, 10/27/2014)
The National Association of Tuna Freezer Vessel (ANABAC) and Producers Association of Big Tuna Freezers (OPAGAC) aim to offer new impetus to the Code of Good Practice of the Spanish tuna industry freezer. To this end, they decided to implement a Verification Scheme that will help fulfill the code accurately, while still working to achieve a sustainable and responsible tuna fishing activity.
The goal of both organizations is to minimize the undesirable impacts associated with this fishing activity. To do this, the tuna sector has commissioned the Technology Centre Expert in Marine and Food Research (AZTI-Tecnalia) the design of a responsible fishing scheme.
ANABAC and OPAGAC executives met with AZTI researchers on Friday at the headquarters of the Technology Center in Sukarrieta, Bizkaia, to define how to adapt the verification scheme to the needs of industry professionals.
The scheme that AZTI is being developed along with representatives of the fleet will include:
- The fulfillment and implementation of specific fishing operations to minimize its negative impact;
- The use of fish aggregating devices (FADs) that are non-meshing and in compliance with a specific design as well as the release of non-target species.
The verification of these best practices will be made through electronic or scientific observers in 100 per cent of the freezer tuna fleet.
AZTI argues that the implementation of this verification plan once more places ANABAC/OPAGAC fleets in an avant garde position in order to "minimize adverse impacts of the tuna fishing freezing activity."
The Good Practice Code for responsible purse seine tuna fishery includes:
- The progressive replacement of fish aggregating devices (FADs) normally used until reaching 100 per cent non-meshing FAD level by the end of 2014;
- The development and implementaion of releasing techniques for sensitive species such as sharks, turtles and rays associated with tropical purse seine fisheries.
Related article:
- Responsible fishing good practices commitments reviewed
By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media
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