According to news sources Friend of the Sea announces an important break-through in the French seafood market, as Gel-Peche products obtain the international sustainability certification following audit by independent certification body. The latest official stock assessments by FAO indicate that the Penaeus species fished by Gel-Pêche suppliers in Madagascar – Refrigepêche and Crustapêche – are not overexploited and no overfishing is occurring.
It is told that bycatch is greatly reduced by the use of TEDs (Trawler Excluders Devices), preventing bycatch of turtles and limiting it to 28 percent of non-target species. Last year the United States Department of State certified Madagascar has adopted a TED programme comparable to that of the United States and is enforcing its programme in a credible manner.
The company Gel-Peche handles approximately 3500 Tons of shrimps per year and has become an important reference for the French and European market and for the retail chains private brand. To maintain ecological balance the company is committed to a sustainable, responsible fishing programme which respects both the environment and the Malagasy population. The company said that it is maintaining strictly the sustainable regulations to ensure its product environment friendly and demanding.
