Fisheries improvement
In the middle of 2011 Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) has initiated contact with Far East Crab Catchers Association (CCA). Later the Parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The MOU’s general objective was to “work together toward the establishment a Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP) to improve Far East crab fisheries with participation of crab catchers and international major buyers of Russian Far East crab products.”
The FIP was publicly announced at the end of 2011. The initial 2012–2013 workplan, jointly agreed by CCA and SFP, was completed. The follow up 2014-2016 workplan was also completed.
In 2016 CCA has successfully passed pre-assessment of the 1st set of certification units on their compliance with criteria of the Marine Stewardship Council.
The 1st set of certification units selected is as follows
|
Fishing zones/species |
Red king crab |
Blue king crab |
Tanner (Bairdi) snow crab |
|
West Kamchatka |
✔ |
✔ |
|
|
Kamchatka-Kurils |
✔ |
|
✔ |
A Simplified Scoring sheet from the Pre-Assessment Report can be downloaded at the link below:
Crab-Kamchatka Pre-Assessment Report - Simplified Scoring sheet.
CCA evaluated time and means required for the preparation of materials for full certification of the 1st set of certification units. A workplan for the preparation of certification materials and start of full certification of the 1st set of certification units was adopted and published.
A work plan on the remaining certification units is in preparation. It will be published after completion of scoping exercises on the current state of fisheries improvement achieved and identification of tasks still to be undertaken.
From 1 October 2016 the Crab Catchers Association of the Russian Far East has assumed full responsibility for the FIP implementation including, in particular, publication of FIP public reports. SFP continues to support the project in its role as a FIP stakeholder.
The current FIP public report can be downloaded at the link below:
RFE Crabs FIP progress report for 2018 - 2020 and Workplan for 2021, January 2021
Previous FIP reports are available via the SFP archive section.
For additions information on RFE crab fisheries see the following links: