Vol.8
company Update
This is the 8th Company Update Report that FCF Co., Ltd. (FCF) has published.
January 5th, 2024
© 2024 FCF Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Leading the Way
in ESG Initiatives
As we embark on 2024, FCF Co., Ltd. is excited to unveil the 8th edition of our Company Update, showcasing our journey from July to December 2023. This period has not only been about deepening our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives but also about achieving tangible milestones that underscore our role as a leader in sustainable and responsible business practices. Our dedication to these pillars of ESG is not just a commitment but a continuous journey towards excellence and innovation in the industry.
- FCF's Q3 2023 -
- FCF's Q4 2023 -
Uniting for a Sustainable Future
2023 international symposium on fishery sustainability
In 2023, FCF Co., Ltd. underscored its leadership in the seafood industry by actively participating in the "2023 International Symposium on Seafood Sustainability" on November 17 at National Sun Yat-sen University, in collaboration with Environment &Animal Society of Taiwan (EAST) and the university.
Opening Speech
Blueprint for Fishery Sustainability
Panel Session 1
Techs to Sustainable Sourcing
Panel Session 2
Maintaining Marine Biodiversity
Panel Session 3
Establishing Seafood Traceability Mechanism
Event Highlights
This event was also supported by esteemed co-organizers, including representatives from the Fisheries Agency, Ministry of Agriculture (Taiwan), College of Marine Sciences, NSYSU, and Carrefour Taiwan Cultural & Educational Foundation. The symposium symbolizes the unwavering commitment of FCF and its partners to enhance Taiwan’s fishing industry through the adoption and implementation of sustainable fishing practices.
The Carrefour Foundation for Education and Culture sponsored the symposium, ensuring that the meals provided during the conference align with principles of traceability, animal welfare, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability.
Opening Speech - Blueprint for Fishery Sustainability
CEO of Oceans 5
Mr. Fox opened the symposium with a speech on the blueprint for fishery sustainability. He emphasized the importance of transparent and sustainable fishing practices and highlighted challenges such as illegal fishing and the need for fisheries management reforms.
Panel Session 1 - Techs to Sustainable Sourcing
Q&A of Panel Discussion
Tom Evans
Director of Key Traceability
Mr. Evans focused on the role of scientific analysis in sustainable fisheries, sharing insights on MSC assessments and Fisheries Improvement Projects (FIPs). He highlighted the benefits of certification and the influence of market demand on sustainable practices.
MSC’s 30% coverage is a baseline, with efforts to increase it. ETP species have higher requirements due to specific data needs. MSC aims to continuously improve standards, considering the diversity and challenges of fisheries under its purview.
MSC treats bait species as primary, subjecting them to standard assessments. Data includes usage and origin, but is limited for many bait species. New MSC versions require more data, influencing fisheries to collect better information.
Javier de la Cal
Sales Director Asia Pacific, Satlink
Mr. Javier de la Cal's presentation centered on the development of electronic observer technology, differentiating it from CCTV and explaining its comprehensive nature. He also discussed Satlink's collaboration with FCF in setting up electronic observers on vessels.
Cost varies by fishery type and data depth. AI implementation is discussed, but trust in AI results is cautious. Double verification remains essential, especially for ETP species, making cost reduction through AI challenging.
Reporting timeliness depends on data type and analysis depth. Efforts are made to provide data swiftly, with certain projects offering quicker data processing.
Hsiang Yi, Yu
Section Chief, Deep-seas Fisheries Division, Taiwan Fisheries Agency, Ministry of Agriculture
Ms. Yu focused on Taiwan's efforts in distant-water fisheries, discussing the collection of scientific data through vessel operational data and port sampling. The importance of human observers in data collection and fisheries management, particularly in complying with RFMOs' observer coverage regulations, was emphasized.
Alternatives to human observers are considered due to cost and difficulty. Data type determination and port sampling are methods used. Taiwan utilizes port sampling for additional scientific data.
Taiwan aims to develop a system suited to its unique fishing operations. Emphasis is on hardware compatibility and data analysis capabilities. Taiwan’s goal is comprehensive installation, currently focusing on CCTV implementation and ongoing data analysis development.
Panel Session 2 - Maintaining Marine Biodiversity
Q&A of Panel Discussion
Lauriane Escalle
Senior Fisheries Scientist, The Pacific Community
Dr. Lauriane Escalle discussed improvements in purse seine fish collectors, focusing on biodegradable and non-entangling FADs. She highlighted the impacts of these FADs on marine ecology and endangered species, aligning with conservation measures.
A larger sample size in both the WCPO and EPO would indeed provide more reliable data to conclusively understand the impact of Jelly-FADs versus conventional FADs on catch weights. Limited observations can lead to initial trends, but they might not fully represent the actual scenario. Further research with more data points would help in making more definitive conclusions.
Hilario Murua
Senior Scientist, International Seafood Sustainability Foundation
Dr. Hilario Murua addressed sustainable practices for longline vessels, including bycatch species conservation measures, changes in fishing practices, and the use of specific gear to mitigate fishing impacts.
We’re already advising on reducing bycatch, especially in longline fisheries impacting blue sharks. Our focus is on safe, prompt release to boost survival rates. While bycatch is often incidental, we’ll enforce management measures for non-compliance, continuing to improve handling and release practices for sharks.
Vessels must adhere to a 20% data review rate for EMS standards. Being on our list means completing data analysis and submission processes, ensuring compliance with regional fisheries protocols.
Scott Pursner
Director of International Affairs, Taiwan Wild Bird Federation (TWBF)
Mr. Scott Pursner is a distinguished panelist renowned for his extensive work in bird conservation. As a key figure at the TWBF, he's been pivotal in addressing seabird bycatch issues globally. His expertise, particularly in collaborating with international organizations, has significantly contributed to mitigating bird bycatch through innovative strategies and impactful educational initiatives, showcasing Taiwan's role in global conservation efforts.
Yes, seabird bycatch is a significant global issue, particularly in Taiwan due to its major fishing activities. The Taiwan Wild Bird Federation, in collaboration with BirdLife International, has been addressing this since 2001. Efforts include international workshops, education, training in seabird identification, and bycatch mitigation techniques. Unique challenges faced by Taiwanese fleets, especially in regions like Asia, are being documented to contribute to the broader conversation on seabird bycatch. Recent experiments and collaborations provide valuable data to influence international policies and practices in this area.
Panel Session 3 - Establishing Seafood Traceability Mechanism
Q&A of Panel Discussion
Wu Hung
CEO, Environment & Animals Society of Taiwan (EAST)
Mr. Wu Hung explored changes in the fishery environment and the evolution of traceability systems, emphasizing the shift from economic benefits to social responsibility and the importance of transparency in fisheries management.
We’re collaborating with FCF Co., Ltd. on a seafood traceability and transparency project to understand how influential traders like FCF track products and establish mechanisms. We’re also focusing on transparency in distant water fishing laws, and international cooperation to improve fairness in global import controls.
Gary Hsu
Project Manager, Bureau Veritas Taiwan
Mr. Hsu presented a case study on FCF's traceability mechanism, detailing the comprehensive system from fishing to processing plant. He emphasized the practical operation and management aspects of the traceability system.
Food traceability covers the journey from the origin to the consumer. Our FSP project ensures traceability up to the unloading at ports. Post-unloading, factories handle freezing, processing, and packaging. Clients often use third-party verification for the factory-to-consumer stage, ensuring a complete supply chain traceability.
There are varying management levels among fishing vessels. We certify those ready in all aspects. If they’re not ready, we report the gaps and check compliance with standards.
Natalie Chin
Senior Sustainability Analyst, Bumblebee Foods
Ms. Chin discussed market-driven traceability expectations and the benefits of a robust traceability system, sharing insights on Bumblebee Foods' 'Trace My Catch' tool and its impact on consumer trust and market opportunities.
Bumble Bee leads with ‘Trace my Catch’. ISSF standards require companies to either label the fish origin on the can or provide a consumer-facing website for sourcing data. It’s unclear if other companies have similar programs, but Bumble Bee is an industry leader.
The GDST’s KDE system is new in fisheries. There are gaps both legally and practically, which is why FCF collaborates with NGOs like EAST and EJF on Traceability & Transparency Projects to understand industry challenges and seek regulatory adjustments.
