Illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing has been directly linked to health and safety violations, forced labor and inhumane treatment of fishers. However, it has been difficult to control because:
The lack of monitoring and enforcement of local and international conventions and regulations, including those against IUU fishing, contributes to the exploitation of workers in the fishing sector and hinders conservation goals by depleting fish stocks.
As consumers become increasingly concerned about the human rights of laborers, including the problem of fishing slavery, and decreasing fish populations, they are beginning to demand traceable, sustainable seafood. They want to know that the seafood brands they purchase are socially responsible and source from suppliers that engage in ethical fishing practices.
Fishing vessel audits from SGS can help you protect your brand reputation by demonstrating your commitment to sustainable sourcing. Whether you operate a single vessel or a fleet, we can help you measure your wild caught supply chain’s performance against internationally recognized standards.
We can help your business and supply chains to take constructive action by substantiating ethical sourcing and sustainable fishing vessel practices.
Our skilled Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors (APSCA) auditors and project managers will:
| Example Three Year Audit Program | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Process | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|
|
|
|
Key elements of our audits include:
|
|
As a leading partner to the seafood sector, SGS ensures seafood safety, quality, traceability and sustainability. Our solutions for private label retail, food service and vessel owners include fishing vessel audits, catch inspections, chain of custody certification, data management and capacity building. With one of the largest global networks of APSCA registered social compliance auditors, we are the leading choice for second and third party assessments of fishing vessels against ILO, FAO and IMO guidance and conventions.
Contact your local SGS office to learn more about solutions for your country, supply chain and scope of operation.