Sri Lankan company Lihini Sea Foods (pvt) Ltd. has positively concluded a Friend of the Sea audit for yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and swordfish (Xiphias gladius). As such, products from the fishing group vessels operating in the Eastern Indian Ocean (FAO Area 57) may now carry the Friend of the Sea sustainability seal of approval.
Yellowfin tuna and swordfish are not regarded as overexploited in waters plied by Lihini, according to the latest stock assessments. No protected areas are affected by the fishing activity, and none of the bycatch is included in the IUCN red list of endangered species.
A comprehensive traceability system is in place to guarantee that all Friend of the Sea requirements are fulfilled and that no mixing occurs between certified and uncertified origin fish.
“We share the same sustainability vision of Friend of the Sea,” said Malintha Fernando of Lihini. “The program has become the leading sustainability standard for many species, and this recognition provides an important added value for our products.”
Lihini’s processing plant is located close to two major landing sites, Negombo and Chilaw. The company engages in multi-day fishing excursions with contracted vessels in the Indian Ocean.
Friend of the Sea is an international certification regime for products from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Over 350 companies in more than 50 countries have relied on the program to assess the sustainability of seafood supplies. Audits, based on best and most updated available scientific data, are run by accredited independent certification bodies.
