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International certification scheme for sustainable fishing and aquaculture products.
AN event to introduce participants to an internationational certification scheme for sustainable fishing and aquaculture products is due to take place in Amsterdam at the end of the month.
The Friend of the Sea event takes place in the Park Plaza Amsterdam Airport, Melbournestraat 1, 1175 RM Lijnden, The Netherlands, on September 30 and is aimed at explaining how the Friend of the Sea project works and how to join as well as getting to know the Dutch and international companies which have already got Friend of the Sea certified products.
World fishing captures have reached a maximum of approximtately 90 million tons in 2000, according to Friend of the Sea, and from then, due to overexploitation of main stocks, the resources have gradually reduced, compensated only in part by the increase of aquaculture fishing methods. Aquaculture itself, however, can also have an impact on the environment through the use of fish-feed which comes from the capture of marine fish species.
Recently both consumers and producers are becoming increasingly more aware of the danger of over-exploitation of fish resources and the potential environmental impact of fishing and aquaculture. Most of the world’s largest distribution companies have begun to implement purchasing strategies which favour sustainable seafood products deriving from environmental conservation initiatives.
The Friend of the Sea project, originates from the Earth Island Institute’s Dolphin-Safe Project – the precursor of all sustainable seafood certification schemes. Friend of the Sea has grown rapidly since its institution in 2007. Over 141 companies from 51 countries have their products certified from approximately 135 different species.
In the Netherlands, Friend of the Sea has certified Dover Sole, Turbot, Dab, Brill, plaice from Nordzee Vissers Consortium as well as Dover sole from Zeevisgroothandel Jan Prins b.v. and various from Neerlandia Urk BV. DKSH has partnered with Bakker Vis in the Netherlands to supply Friend of the Sea certified pangasius.
By gaining certification and using the Friend of the Sea label businesses, retailers and distributers can assist the well being of the world’s oceans.
Speakers on the day are set to be Mr Paolo Bray – Friend of the Sea Executive Director Friend of the Sea; Mrs Yvonne Bakker-Romkes - R&D Manager Noordzee Vissers Consortium III; and Mrs Litzie Makhotine – Clean Sea’s European Representative.
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