The first group certification under the Responsible Fishing Scheme (RFS) has been awarded to vessels from the Scottish White Fish Producers Association (SWFPA). This is the first time a group of vessels has been collectively assessed against the scheme’s standards.
Prior to the launch of the group certification model, fishing vessels had to seek RFS certification on an individual basis.
SWFPA is the largest fishing association in Europe. Originally formed in 1943, it represents around 220 vessels and 1,400 fishermen who contribute a collective GBP 158 million (USD 206.2 million, EUR 184.1 million) to Scotland’s economy.
The RFS group certification covers 62 of the SWFPA vessels, which range in length from 6 to 34 meters. This brings the total number of RFS vessels certified in the United Kingdom up to 121.
SWFPA’s James Buchan said the association was delighted that its vessels had become the first group to gain the new certification.
“We aim to facilitate a sustainable fishing sector which works for the environment, for consumers and for the fishermen, and we are always working to improve the way the seas are managed,” he said.
U.K. public body Seafish, which launched the RFS in 2016, said that while group certification delivers the same assurance levels, a key benefit of the new model is that it provides a more efficient process of certifying new vessels by reducing the number of external audits required.
Vessels may be considered for group application under the scheme if they share a central management system and in-house auditor. These internal systems replace the need for an external audit of every vessel in the group.
Seafish is seeking other groups of U.K. commercial fishing vessels to participate in additional group certification pilots.
To-date, 29 U.K. seafood processors, retailers and foodservice suppliers have also committed to incorporating the RFS into their sourcing policies.
