For the second consecutive year, the project to improve the small pelagic fishery in Ecuador – Small Pelagics Sustainability SPS-FIP -, of the National Chamber of Fisheries with the support of the Vice Ministry of Aquaculture and Fisheries and the Public Institute for Aquaculture Research and Pesca, carries out the “Marine Life Awards”, an event to recognize the performance of fishermen and companies participating in the Responsible Fishing Program.
During 2022, the fishermen in the program recorded data on fishing hauls, catches, conservation practices on board, among others, resulting in 105 release records, with 831 released individuals (100% alive or escaped) and 370 release records. sighting of marine fauna.
These data collected by the fishermen are processed as indicators of the catch volume, weight structure (g), sizes by species, spatial distribution of fishing, presence of juvenile individuals, bycatch index, among others.
As part of the program, 110 crew members were trained in 2022, who received illustrative material, such as guides for the proper identification and handling for the release of sensitive species.
CATEGORY / PHOTOGRAPHY
GOOD PRACTICES FOR THE RELEASE OF MARINE FAUNA
On this occasion, the Vida Marina Awards praised the work carried out in 2022 by 22 vessels that contributed 2,601 records with records of fishing activity, reflecting the learning and effort to carry out good fishing practices. The boats notable for their performance were:
- Marine Life Ambassadors: for the quality and quantity of records made of the activity
fisheries and their interaction with the ecosystem.
B/P BAMAR VII – B/P FLORIDA (NEGOCIOS INDUSTRIALES REAL S.A.)
B/P MARIA JOSE (GLOBALPESCA S.A.)
B/P ANDELKA (PESQUERA HERCO S.A.) - Protectors of Marine Life: for the highest number of recorded releases of marine megafauna.
B/P BAMAR VII – B/P FLORIDA – B/P ATLANTIC I (NEGOCIOS INDUSTRIALES REAL S.A.)
B/P SANTA MARIA (EXU S.A.) - Marine Life Observers: for the highest number of megafauna sightings. B/P SANTA MARIA (EXU S.A.)
B/P BAMAR VII – B/P FLORIDA (NEGOCIOS INDUSTRIALES REAL S.A.)
The event was held on March 9, 2023 in the Juan Montalvo room of the WYNDHAM Hotel in Puerto
Santa Ana, Guayaquil.
Data on the SPS-FIP project. – The Small Pelagics Sustainability is a Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP) that began in October 2018, promoted by 23 companies in the National Chamber of Fisheries of Ecuador, including producers of fishmeal and balanced feed.
The project works under the MarinTrust Fish Improvement Program, a fishmeal and fish oil sustainability certification standard, with the aim of integrating all stakeholders in the supply chain and working together for the sustainability of the fishery of small pelagics in Ecuador. More information about the project: www.pescaresponsable.ec
AUSPICIANTES
