Companies with Icelandic fishing industry federation Samtök fyrirtækja í sjávarútvegi (SFS), which represents fishing vessel operators and seafood producers, have set a series of social responsibility aims that align with the United Nations targets for sustainable development.
SFS states that good housekeeping in relation to natural resources is the basis for ongoing sustainable exploitation of Iceland’s fish stocks. According to SFS, much progress has been made, but the aim is to do better.
‘We put together a social policy last year and the results are now being presented. We held open meetings with lively debate among those with an interest in the seafood industry, we held workshops with company managers, travelled around the country to present social responsibility to our members, and from them we got comments and pointers. While the course has been set, the journey has just begun,’ said SFS director Heiðrún Lind Marteinsdóttir.
‘Now it’s up to companies to adapt their working practices to the policy. I don’t doubt that fishing companies around the country will put every effort into this initiative.’
Companies signing up to the social policy intend to make public information on environmental matters, and social and management factors, in line with internationally accepted standards. The aim is also to publish taxation trails, detailing where taxes are paid and business with linked entities.
