FIP BLUES is a fishery improvement project, an initiative committed to the sustainability of fisheries, focusing on responsible practices to ensure the conservation of species such as swordfish and blue sharks.
This project reflects the joint commitment of various actors along the value chain, including both the catching, marketing and processing sectors, to address the environmental and social challenges of the fishery. Its goal is to balance fishing activity with the protection of the marine environment.
The project brings together 124 surface longline vessels, representing 90% of the European surface longline fleet.
FIP BLUES aims to achieve market-recognised sustainability standards, such as MSC, ensuring access to global markets for the catches of this fleet, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable and responsible fishing and gaining international recognition.
To achieve its objectives, FIP BLUES carries out actions such as training fishermen and workers in the sector, creating best practice guides, and collaborating with research and management bodies to assess and monitor fishery resources. Originally designed for implementation in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, the project started with Atlantic stocks and is now in its final stage after almost five years of work, according to the latest Fishery Progress update: Fishery Progress – Atlantic Ocean Blue Shark and Swordfish Surface Longline.
In addition, work is now also underway to pre-assess and define the action plan for the Western and Central Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean stocks.
