Fish for Good is a four-year project aimed at guiding fisheries in South Africa, Indonesia and Mexico towards more sustainable fishing practices.
Fish for Good is sponsored by the Dutch National Postcode Lottery.
Fish For Good | South Africa
Why South Africa?
How does it work?
Stage 1 - mapping
The MSC conducted a scan of the 63 fisheries in South Africa and, based on the results, selected 18 fisheries for deeper mapping. Those fisheries are mapped according to their:
- target species
- areas fished
- gear(s) used
- catch volumes
- stock status
- environmental impacts
- market potential
Stage 2 - pre-assessments
The Fish for Good advisory group evaluated the findings and selected nine fisheries to be pre-assessed against the MSC Fisheries Standard.
The pre-assessment process measures the performance of each fishery against the MSC Standard and identifies areas for improvement. Pre-assessment of the nine fisheries is undertaken by an accredited third-party assessor.
Stage 3 - action plan development
The advisory group has selected five of the nine fisheries to undertake action plan development and proceed into Fishery Improvement Projects. The five selected fisheries are:
• Yellowfin tuna
• Albacore tuna
• East Coast rock lobster
• Mussel
• Squid
During the action plan stage, the gaps identified in Stage 2 are translated into a 'to do' list for each fishery so that stakeholders can work together towards improved sustainability. This stage will be undertaken by the project’s implementing partner WWF South Africa. After stage 3, some fisheries may be in a position to enter full assessment for MSC certification.
Each action plan is different and addresses challenges specific to each fishery, which may include:
- Adding onboard observer programmes
- Implementing vessel tracking systems
- Improving baitfish management
Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | |
| When? | April 2018 – June 2018 | June 2018 – June 2019 | June 2019 – April 2021 |
| What? | Mapping fisheries in the region | Assessing baseline performance and identifying areas for improvement | Developing action plans to improve fisheries' performance against the MSC indicators |
| How | Building fisheries profiles through desk research | Conducting large-scale gap analysis of fisheries' performance against the MSC Standard | Agreeing on actions and stakeholders' responsibilities to address the gaps defined in Stage 2 |
| By who? | The MSC | Accredited third-party assessor | Collaborative stakeholder effort |
| Result | 18 fisheries mapped | 9 fisheries pre-assessed | 5 fisheries' action plans |
Advisory group
The advisory group represents stakeholders in South Africa’s fishing and seafood sectors. It is tasked with providing co-ordinated advice on the development and continuing implementation of the Fish for Good project. The advisory group offers independent views representing a variety of informed perspectives in addressing the effectiveness of project activities. Nominations to the advisory group were made at stakeholder focussed meetings that incorporated the commercial fishing industry, seafood market professionals, government, small scale fishers and non-governmental organisations.
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Fish for good projects
Fish for Good - South Africa
South Africa is flanked by two diverse large marine ecosystems (LMEs). Fishing is important to the economy and for the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Fish for Good - Indonesia
Indonesia is the world's second largest fish producer. Some stocks are being overfished. Local food security, economy and marine biodiversity are at risk.
Fish for Good - Mexico
Increasing interest in sustainable seafood products in the Mexican market is matched by the need to safeguard food, local economic security and the natural wealth of Mexican waters.