Open Blue is an example of the progress here in Panama in the aquaculture industry.

A fishery improvement project (FIP) is driving the Panama small pelagic fishery toward full certification to the IFFO RS standard, according to a press release.

The fishery has transitioned onto the new IFFO RS improver program (IFFO RS IP) procedures against V2.0 of the group’s standard, according to a statement from IFFO RS.

According to IFFO RS, the Panamanian FIP “will have to continue to meet a series of time-bound improvement milestones”, with the aim to apply for full IFFO RS certification once all have been implemented.

The fishery was the first accepted applicant for the IFFO RS IP scheme in 2015 and has “demonstrated their commitment to improve the fishery as well as how an industry lead multi-stakeholder effort can promote positive change”, said IFFO RS.

“This process involved the implementation of a new law in Panama as well as investment in technology, staff training and vessel observers. I believe that we owe the progress made to date to the continued dialogue between the government, the industry and NGOs [CeDePesca] in Panama,” Brian Murtagh, of Panamanian fishmeal and fish oil firm Animalfeeds International Corp. and the FIP coordinator.

“We’ve been able to understand each other’s views and then implement measures in the right direction. On its side, the government has approved a new fishing law to clarify definitions of fishing vessel activity and regulate fishing methods. As for us, we have invested in staff training and technical equipment. All these efforts have stimulated a real change from the fishermen, in the interest of the local environment and local communities.”

Dan Lee, from the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA), commended the progress made with the Panama FIP.

“The aqua-feed and aquaculture industries need responsibly sourced marine ingredients so it’s great news to see this continued commitment from the Panama small pelagics fishery. In effect, the IFFO RS improver program has provided independent validation that this project is on track. GAA’s Best Aquaculture Practices program helps to provide linkages along supply chains to incentivize positive change and it’s impressive to see how Panama has stepped up to meet the challenge,” said Lee.

A spokesperson for IFFO RS clarified the relationship between the two groups.

“IFFO if the membership organization for the marine ingredients industry, IFFO RS is the standard holder for demonstrating responsible supply of marine ingredients. We have two standards, IFFO RS and IFFO RS chain of custody and we have the improver program which is a pathway to certification through measurable improvements,” she said.