Page 5 - Socio-Enviromental Report2017

Socio-Enviromental Report 2017

Fishery Improvement Projects - FIPs Bolton Alimentari and its suppliers are engaged
in developing several important FIPS aimed at
FIPs (fishery improvement projects) are multi- guaranteeing the achievement of 100% procurement
stakeholder initiatives aimed at improving fishing from MSC certified fisheries or fisheries involved in
practices and the management of fisheries to help robust, credible FIPs by 2024.
them meet the requirements of the Marine Stewardship
Council (MSC) standard. In particular, in 2016, the FIP of the Solomon Islands
obtained MSC certification. At present, we are focusing on
The main stakeholders of FIPs include fishermen/ the development of a FIP in Ecuador.
vessel owners, non-governmental organizations (NGOs),
government authorities, researchers and other members
of the fishing industry. Aquaculture Improvement Projects - AIPs

A FIP can be defined as robust and credible when all of An Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) is an alliance
the following criteria are met: between aquaculture companies, fish processors, NGOs
E The drafting of a project objectives document, and other stakeholders working together to improve the

E An initial gap analysis against the MSC Standard sustainability of aquaculture practices and reduce the
(MSC pre-assessment) conducted by an impact that aquatic farming has on the marine habitat
independent third-party body, the definition of and the fauna living beneath it.
a plan of action and a budget inclusive of the Thanks to the responsible procurement of farmed
resources required for the development of said fish products and the adoption of supply policies that
plan of action, to be implemented within a five- encourage improvement of farming conditions, the
year period, food industry can obtain several important results.
These include ensuring that fish farms source feed from
E Presence of an independent system to monitor sustainable fishing areas, promote a more efficient
progress, and the signing of a memorandum of use of energy and water resources and, lastly promote
understanding that formally binds all players better health and biodiversity in the aquatic habitats of
involved.
aquaculture.
FIPs are progressive improvement projects designed Additionally, the aim of AIPs is to support farms to obtain
to ensure that fisheries obtain specific results, within ASC certification, the most credible and authoritative
a specific time frame, amending any gaps in order to labeling program for responsible aquaculture.
respect the standards stipulated by MSC certification.