Company Update
Vol.9
Opening a New Chapter in Sustainability
July, 29th, 2024
© 2024 FCF Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
In 2024, FCF established the ESG Steering Committee to integrate sustainability into operations and set long-term goals based on SDGs.
Environmental initiatives include reducing ghost fishing gear with the Global Ghost Gear Initiative, conducting eco-training, further implementing electronic monitoring, and launching bycatch mitigation actions.
On the social responsibility front, FCF participated in international labor discussions and collaborated with the Seafood Task Force on responsible recruitment program, improving labor standards in the seafood supply chain.
Additionally, FCF engaged with the U.S. International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) to enhance labor standards in fisheries.
As we move forward, FCF will continue to build on these initiatives, striving to create a more sustainable and responsible future for the industry and our global community.
As a Sustainable Company
Contents
Our ESG Development
FCF ESG Steering Committee


Following FCF’s vision and mission for sustainable fisheries, FCF Group officially established the “ESG Steering Committee” in 2024. This committee responds to global sustainability trends and the company’s growth needs by implementing concrete actions to realize sustainable thinking and continually create value for stakeholders.
The “ESG Sustainability Committee,” chaired by FCF’s President/CEO Max Chou and comprising senior executives from various fields within the company and subsidiaries, includes the “ESG Working Group,” which gathers employee representatives from different departments. Together, they review ESG issues relevant to the company’s operations, set mid-to-long-term development directions and goals, and create a blueprint linking FCF’s core advantages to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They report ESG implementation results and future work plans to the board to ensure the group’s sustainability progress.
The “ESG Sustainability Committee” integrates vertical and horizontal cross-departmental communication and resource coordination functions, instructing the “ESG Working Group” to identify sustainability issues related to the company’s operations and stakeholder concerns. Based on these issues, the committee establishes project teams, formulates corresponding strategies, goals, and action plans, and holds quarterly meetings to track progress and execution effectiveness, ensuring that ESG strategies are fully implemented in FCF Group’s daily operations.
Change Through Corporate Social Responsibility
GLOBAL VOLUNTEER PROJECTS
FCF Volunteer Team
In May of this year, FCF proudly launched a volunteer service team, dedicated to giving back to society and promoting sustainable development within the communities influenced by our operations. Through impactful volunteer activities, FCF aims to achieve the following visionary goals:
- Empowering Employee Engagement: Inspire our employees to voluntarily participate in service activities, cultivating a deep sense of social responsibility and belonging.
- Enhancing Community Development: Elevate the quality of life and environment in communities, particularly those directly impacted by our operations.
- Championing Environmental Stewardship: Drive the adoption of sustainable development practices and environmental protection initiatives.
We plan to organize volunteer activities every two to three months, continuously championing various community projects. Upcoming volunteer activities include:
- Environmental Conservation Efforts: From beach clean-ups to tree planting and environmental education campaigns, our efforts aim to preserve and protect natural habitats.
- Community Enrichment Services: Supporting charitable organizations, conducting community clean-ups, and aiding vulnerable groups to foster a stronger, healthier society.
- Educational Empowerment: Providing essential resources to schools, supporting education in remote areas, and hosting enlightening environmental workshops.
FCF’s Inaugural Volunteer Event:
Spreading Love at Taiwan His Hands Christian Home
Our inaugural volunteer event took place in May 2024 at Taiwan His Hands Christian Home (THHCH), a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting female migrant workers and orphaned children. By collaborating with THHCH to host a family-oriented public welfare event, FCF demonstrated our commitment to the ethos of “Spreading Love, Changing Lives.” This event showcased our unwavering dedication to ESG principles.
During the event, our volunteers radiated enthusiasm and commitment, assisting with venue setup, environmental upkeep, guest reception, charity sales support, and ensuring the smooth execution of parenting workshops and tours. Their contributions not only highlighted their passion for service but also provided them with a profound sense of accomplishment and social responsibility, strengthening camaraderie among colleagues and reinforcing our collective spirit of giving.


Bumble Bee’s Volunteer Initiative:
Supporting the Community Through Food Donation
In June of this year, Bumble Bee Foods, the U.S. subsidiary of FCF, organized a volunteer service event at the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. Employees, along with their families and friends, participated in this initiative aimed at supporting the local community and promoting social welfare through tangible actions.
For this event, BumbleBee fully funded the supplies and related expenses, providing a total of 21,000 pounds of food. This substantial contribution was converted into 9,000 meals, which were distributed to seniors in the San Diego area. By supporting the food bank’s local services, BumbleBee helped vulnerable groups within the community, underscoring the company’s commitment to social responsibility and community support.


ANOVA’s Impactful Community and Environmental Initiatives
School Water Resource Improvement Program
This year, FCF’s subsidiary ANOVA successfully implemented the “School Water Resource Improvement Program” in Indonesia. Advanced reverse osmosis (RO) water purification systems were installed in four local public elementary schools, ensuring students have access to clean and safe drinking water at all times. This initiative reflects ANOVA’s strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. The program also distributed reusable eco-friendly water cups to students, significantly reducing the use of plastic bottles and promoting sustainable living practices. Additionally, ANOVA provided environmental education and public health courses to help students understand the importance of resource conservation and environmental protection.


Mangrove Reforestation Project
In April of this year, ANOVA collaborated with the Bali Forestry and Environment Agency and the local NGO Mangrove Ranger to launch a mangrove reforestation project. This initiative began in the Ngurah Rai National Forest Park in Bali, where 1,050 mangrove seeds were planted. This project demonstrates ANOVA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and actively supports local government sustainability policies.
The event saw participation from 25 ANOVA staff members from the Bali team. Under the guidance of the Mangrove Ranger, an NGO dedicated to long-term environmental conservation, team members learned about mangrove conservation and restoration techniques. This effort underscores ANOVA’s determination to promote the health of local forest ecosystems and its concern for climate change.


Environmental Sustainability
MSC Fisheries Standard Update
In May 2024, the 18th INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference & Exhibition was held in Bangkok, Thailand. During a side event of this conference, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) shared details about the upcoming release of version 3.01 of the MSC Fisheries Standard, which was recently released on the MSC's official platform. The primary focus of this update is to clarify several definitions within MSC Principle 2, which addresses Ecosystem Impact. These changes are particularly significant for FCF’s partners involved in Fishery Improvement Projects (FIP) and those aiming for MSC sustainable certification. Here, we summarize the key insights FCF gained during the conference and the latest information received. We also share FCF’s ongoing efforts and improvements in these areas.


Key
Areas
Ghost and Abandoned Fishing Gear
Focus of the Standards Update:
Certified fisheries are now required to demonstrate management measures that effectively “reduce gear loss.”
FCF’s Efforts:
Starting this year, we have integrated a waste and gear management plan into our operations. This plan includes comprehensive due diligence on FCF vessels and promotes best practices across our supply chain. We are urging suppliers to record, label, and recover fishing gear to minimize the risk of gear loss and its environmental impact.
FCF, in collaboration with Bumble Bee Seafood and The Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI), is actively engaged in ongoing discussions to provide relevant data and industry insights, supporting research and advancing solutions to this issue.
Clarification of Shark Definitions
Focus of the Standards Update:
The updated standards have clarified that “sharks” include species under the orders Selachimorpha and Rhinopristiformes. More endangered species are now included in the assessment scope, impacting certified fisheries.
FCF’s Efforts:
Adhering to the policy of banning shark finning is a crucial component of FCF’s Fishery Improvement Projects (FIP). Additionally, FCF regularly conducts workshops and seminars. In April of this year, we sent personnel to Mauritius to provide shark-related training for crew members. This training utilized materials from the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) to enhance their understanding and identification skills regarding sharks, and to guide them in complying with relevant policies and regulations.
Bycatch and Endangered Species
Focus of the Standards Update:
- If the catch of a single species is less than 2% of the total catch, it can be excluded from assessment. However, if there is an unavoidable risk of depletion, even catches below 2% must be included in the assessment.
- Species listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, in the CMS Appendices, or in the CITES Appendices must be evaluated as Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) species.
FCF’s Efforts:
FCF has implemented several measures to reduce bycatch, including understanding the measures used onboard through due diligence and directly promoting improvements and communication with crew members. We also strive to convey to our supply chain partners that, even if a species is not on the regulatory authority’s prohibited species list, best practices must still be carefully followed when dealing with bycatch and endangered species.
Additionally, FCF collaborates with NGOs focused on seabirds to find practical and effective improvement methods through experience sharing and capacity building.
Since species used as bait are also included in the assessment scope, FCF began advocating for the collection of relevant bait species information this year, expanding the overall evaluation of fishery resources.
Third-Party Data – Valid Scientific Evidence
Focus of the Standards Update:
The new MSC requirements emphasize providing valid scientific evidence to demonstrate no significant negative environmental impact. Although the 30% observer coverage rate is considered a basic threshold and has not changed in this version, it remains a crucial assessment criterion. We urge collaboration among industry, government, and academia to enhance the collection of independent source of data as robust scientific analysis use, including the deployment of observers and the expansion of electronic monitoring systems.
FCF’s Efforts:
Since 2023, FCF has resumed the deployment of electronic monitoring systems on the vessels of our supply chain partners and plans to gradually increase the number of participating vessels. By collecting data throughout the process, FCF can plan more precise improvement actions, thereby promoting the sustainable development of our supply chain partners and enhancing their market competitiveness.
SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN PVR REGISTERED VESSELS:
Nearly 20% Increase
As one of the sustainable measures promoted by the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), the ProActive Vessel Register (PVR) aims to create a publicly transparent list of vessels, focusing on those committed to sustainable fishing practices. The PVR is used by many buyers and retail markets to evaluate vessels based on their fishery management, conservation measures, and practices. ISSF also implements an auditing mechanism, strengthening sustainable fishery management through third-party audits.
FCF’s branded subsidiary, BumbleBee Foods, as an ISSF participating company, has committed to increasing the procurement of longline vessels from the PVR. To support ISSF’s conservation measures and enhance PVR coverage in the supply chain, our efforts over the past six months have resulted in 55% of our main longline supply chain vessels being registered on the PVR, marking a growth of nearly 20% compared to two years ago.
Looking ahead, we will continue to advocate for sustainable efforts within our supply chain, urging vessels to comply with regulatory management. This ensures they can positively meet third-party audit requirements and market expectations, demonstrating the highest commitment to sustainability.
Ethical Choices
for a Sustainable Future
Responsible Supply chian
At FCF, we ensure our seafood is sourced with the highest sustainability standards, minimizing environmental impact and supporting local communities. We are committed to ethical labor practices, ensuring fair treatment and safe working conditions for all workers in our supply chain.
Enhancing Crew Skills and Safety
Crew Capacity Building Program
In 2022, FCF established the Vessel Support and Governance (VSG) Department to provide comprehensive guidance and improvement services to supply chain vessel owners. This case study explores the detailed implementation of this program, divided into four stages.


Through mentoring and training, FCF enhances the professional skills and knowledge levels of captains and crew members, creating a safer and fairer working environment. This program provides substantial support to supply chain vessel owners and crew members, further promoting sustainable development in the fishing industry.
Advancing Ethical Hiring
Seafood Task Force’s Responsible Recruitment Program
In January 2024, FCF co-hosted an important Responsible Recruitment Program seminar with the Seafood Task Force in Kaohsiung and participated in a working meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, in May 2024. During the Kaohsiung meeting, FCF and NGOs shared insights, and Seafood Task Force member organizations focused on the challenges within the seafood hiring supply chain. They collectively decided on a “Capacity Building First” approach, emphasizing strengthening capabilities before recognition. The Seafood Task Force also arranged a meeting with Taiwan’s Fisheries Agency to demonstrate their commitment to managing the seafood hiring supply chain.
At the Bangkok working meeting, following the conclusions from Kaohsiung, the focus was on discussing and designing the content and details of the capacity-building training program.


Advanced Training Plans
During the seminar, the possibility and framework of providing online training for labor agencies were also discussed, emphasizing the need for practical and engaging content. Group members agreed to initially focus on regulations and minimum requirements to attract more labor agencies to participate. This training program will be implemented in stages, gradually advancing the compliance level of labor agencies to ultimately achieve high standards of recruitment practices.
Stakeholders Engagement
The Seafood Task Force also explored various solutions to facilitate communication between vessel owners and labor agencies in Taiwan and Indonesia. Options include inviting trade associations and labor agencies to an issue-focused workshop by year-end, further collaboration with the Taiwan Tuna Association, and the Indonesian SPPI Fishermen’s Union.
International Trends on Labor Issue
Stakeholders Engagement
FCF, together with representatives from trade associations, actively participated in two meetings with U.S Government to showcase our commitment to labor rights and environmental standards. We highlighted our dedication to protecting the rights of foreign crew members, complying with international standards, and implementing proactive measures to prevent IUU fishing. The influence of the United States, as a major market for tuna and a leader in international policy, is significant. Their focus areas provide valuable guidelines for the industry to enhance labor standards and promote environmental sustainability.


U.S. Department of Labor’s Visit to Taiwan
To enhance labor standards in the fishing industry, a delegation from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), led by Deputy Undersecretary Thea Lee, visited Taiwan in February 2024. The purpose of the visit was to observe and discuss Taiwan’s initiatives in protecting the rights of foreign crew members on distant-water fishing vessels. During the meetings, the U.S. delegation emphasized several key challenges and areas of innovation:
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Recruitment Fees and Labor Agencies:
Addressing the high recruitment fees charged to crew members, the U.S. delegation advocated for the “employer pays” principle to alleviate the financial burden on workers. -
Representation and Collective Bargaining:
Highlighting the importance of an independent and effectively functioning union for foreign crew members in Taiwan’s fishing industry to ensure true representation. -
Communication Channels:
Emphasizing the importance of Wi-Fi access for crew members on distant-water fishing vessels to maintain communication and report any misconduct. -
Protection from Retaliation and Repatriation:
Discussing retaliation-free protection and repatriation mechanism for crews, ensuring they can exercise their rights without fear.
U.S.and Taiwan 21st Century Trade Initiative Negotiations
In April 2024, a stakeholder communication meeting for the U.S.-Taiwan 21st Century Trade Initiative was held at the Executive Yuan Office of Trade Negotiations in Taipei. This meeting aimed to gather stakeholders’ opinions on labor, agriculture, and environmental issues, particularly the labor rights of distant-water fishers. Key points of the meeting included:
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Environmental Chapter:
Committing to enhanced environmental protection, including marine resource conservation and addressing issues related to IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing and overfishing caused by fisheries subsidies. -
Labor Chapter:
Emphasizing labor rights within the supply chain, including the distant-water fishing industry. Discussions focused on recruitment fees, communication channels for labor rights, and promoting widespread access to Wi-Fi at sea. -
Supply Chain Responsibility:
Establishing mechanisms to address forced labor, ensuring compliance with international labor standards.
Our Vision to Excellence
Sustainable Seas, Fair Labor
By aligning our practices with international guidelines and continuously seeking innovative solutions, we are not only safeguarding the rights and well-being of our crew members but also setting new benchmarks for the industry. Moving forward, we will continue to foster strong partnerships and leverage global insights to drive sustainable development and responsible practices across our supply chain.
Together, we can ensure a more ethical, safe, and sustainable future for the fishing industry.