What is a FIP?
They are a practical, step-by-step approach to improving the sustainability of a fishery, allowing fishing to continue while continuous improvements are achieved.
FIPs bring together an alliance of seafood buyers, retailers, processors, distributors, producers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with an interest in a specific fishery, with the aim of driving improvements in policy and management at the administrative level. At the same time, FIPs create an incentive for changes in working practices on the water, reducing problems such as illegal fishing, bycatch and environmental impacts.
Environmental sustainability of the fishery
The Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions sets out a vision for sustainable seafood in which, through six steps, a FIP can put in place the solutions needed to produce sustainable seafood.
Its Guidelines for Supporting Fishery Improvement Projects establish the use of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standard, which makes it possible to measure the environmental performance of fisheries and the progress FIPs achieve over time.
Any fishery can use the MSC Fisheries Standard, even if it is not seeking MSC certification.
Social responsibility in fishing
The FisheryProgress Human Rights and Social Responsibility Policy sets a standard for social responsibility in fishing, which the FIP is required to report against.
The aim of the policy is for FIPs to identify and reduce the risk of human rights and labor abuses in their supply chains, and to increase transparency around efforts to address human rights and labor risks, with a focus on the harvest stage of the supply chain.
To meet it, a FIP must have a social responsibility policy and a grievance mechanism, share both with FIP members, and complete the FIP's social responsibility self-assessment.
FIP
Active Fishery Improvement Projects
We currently take part in Fishery Improvement Projects for the marbled rock crab fishery in the Los Lagos Region, and for the jumbo squid and the southern and northern octopus fisheries in Chile. Review each one and download its social responsibility policy and grievance mechanism below.