Lorient-based coastal fishing company Armement de la Pêche Artisanale de Keroman (APAK) used this week’s ItechMer exhibition as a springboard to launch its APAK 2030 initiative, supported by its partners, backers and industry figures and ocean yachtswoman Marie Tabarly.
The use of selective gear, respect for the marine environment, support for scientific research, energy saving, reducing the carbon footprint, full use of catches, improvements in product quality, improvement of safety and conditions for seafarers, and training new entrants are all part of APAK’s commitment to the future of sustainable fisheries.
‘Since its establishment in 2011, APAK has developed policies of responsible fisheries, respecting the rules, the resource, fishermen and consumers,’ said APAK managing director Éric Guygniec.
‘We like to do things well, to work to good practices that people sometimes aren]t aware of, and we want to make this known, and to be fully transparency. I am delighted that Marie Tabarly appreciates our approach. For us, this is a meeting between seafarers and the start of an adventure that we hope will be a long one.’
Working with seafood label Mr Goodfish and Fondation de la Mer, APAK has drawn up a charter that pledges to protect resources, respect the environment at sea and ashore, involve crews and staff in processes and to guarantee consumers quality products from responsible fisheries.
‘This partnership demonstrates the capacity of our organisation to support fishing companies in sustainable development initiatives and echoes our primary mission, which is to raise awareness among the public and the industry concerning sustainable seafood consumption,’ said Mr Goodfish project manager Estelle Soulet.
Fondation de la Mer managing director Alexandre Iaschine commented that APAK is aligning itself with SDG14 sustainable development goals and France’s 2030 agenda, and this means that APAK will be the first French fishing vessel to carry the OCEAN APPROVED label.
‘I am happy to support a sincere and genuine initiative,’ said Marie Tabarly, who is also the founder of the Elemen’Terre Project.
‘APAK takes a realistic view of its activities and is committed to making progress for the good of the ocean, people and the planet. As a responsible consumer, I want to have confidence and fully understand fishing practices, as well as the origin of the fish that on my plate. As a sailor, aware of the great challenges facing humanity, I can only encourage anything that contributes to sustainable development.’
Estelle Soulet of Mr Goodfish, Jérôme Nicol and Eric Guygniec of APAK, Marie Tabarly, Alexandre Iaschine of Fondation de la Mer and Olivier Le Nézet at the launch of the APAK 2030 initiative. Image: Agence Sea to Sea
