Projects Provide Stepwise Approach Toward Sustainability for Fisheries
EMERYVILLE, Calif., Dec. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- SCS Global Services is pleased to announce that it has added Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) to its suite of sustainable seafood services, alongside Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, MSC chain of custody certification, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) pre-assessments, and seafood safety. FIPs is an international designation for strategic projects designed to help wild-caught fisheries become more sustainable, efficient and competitive.
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"The true strength of FIPs is that they are accessible to all fisheries in all regions of the world," said Robert J. Hrubes, Executive Vice President of SCS Global Services. "Our FIP services enable fisheries to enhance their levels sustainability regardless of where they are on the spectrum of improvement, with work plans tailored to client objectives."
FIPs cover a broad range of fishery management issues, including data collection and monitoring, stock health assessment, bycatch reduction, policy development and community engagement. FIPs not only benefit the ocean ecosystem upon which fisheries rely, but also provide potential market advantages such as risk mitigation, demonstrated ability to meet buyers' purchasing policies, access to broader end markets, cost savings from waste reduction, and enhanced opportunities for sustainability marketing.
SCS offers two types of FIPs: "Flexible FIPs" and "MSC Benchmarked FIPs." Flexible FIPs are available to any fishery, and can either cover a comprehensive set of goals or focus more narrowly on discrete improvement areas. MSC Benchmarked FIPs set the groundwork for future MSC certification by identifying goals and actions that will align the fishery with the internationally recognized MSC standard. SCS services are provided in a manner that does not trigger a conflict of interest between fisheries consulting and MSC certification.
SCS convenes customized teams and designs action plans for implementation by fisheries and their partners. Fisheries may range in size, location and data availability. Through SCS, fisheries are connected to a global network of marine science and fishery management experts, and buyers have assurance that FIPs are vetted by accredited experts.
"Our skilled team members have deep sectoral knowledge as well as experience teaching aspects of fisheries science and management. They are dedicated to working with an industry committed to reform," said Sabine Daume, Manager of SCS' Sustainable Seafood Program. "Fisheries in developing countries will find resources specific to their situations and markets. SCS understands the need to use expert time judiciously and to build improvement plans responsive to local capacity."
SCS Global Services has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for three decades. Its programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, retail, and more. SCS was the first certifier to issue MSC certificates, and has been conducting full assessments, pre-assessments, and improvement initiatives in the Americas, Asia, Russia, and Australia/NZ since 1999. www.scsglobalservices.com
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