Fishmeal and oil made from European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) by Koptur Balıkçılık and Dalyan Su Ürünleri, companies of Kobyalar Group, are now Friend of the Sea certified. The Turkish companies and originating fisheries have been found compliant with Friend of the Sea certification requirements.
The fishmeal and oil are sourced from anchovies fished in the Black Sea (FAO area 37) by Friend of the Sea approved purse seiners. The fisheries are managed according to sustainable criteria, with highly selective fishing method and no impact on the seabed. The target stocks are neither overfished nor overexploited. Mesh and net sizes are in compliance with legal requirements and ensure catch of anchovies within set minimum sizes.
A waste management system is in place and measures are implemented to avoid the dispersion of waste. Fuel consumption is monitored and a carbon footprint reduction plan per product unit is in place.
“Friend of the Sea certification is an important recognition of our sense of responsibility and attention to the marine habitat. Friend of the Sea logo communicates a clear message to our customers that our products come from sustainable sources,” said Duygu Kobya, Kobyalar business development manager. “We want to share this idea with all the fisheries operating in the Black Sea.”
“We’re glad that Kobyalar has placed its trust in our project: our common aim is the conservation of the marine habitat,” said Paolo Bray, Friend of the Sea certification program director.