U.S. Fisheries Industry Principles for Responsible Fisheries
Over the past two years, the World Wildlife Fund has initiated a campaign to establish an environmental certification program for fisheries.  While their Marine Stewardship Council has been billed as a means of letting consumers choose to show their support for sustainable fisheries practices, there is concern that their campaign is agenda-driven in that it attempts to force the seafood industry - through economic pressure - to comply with whatever environmental standards the World Wildlife Fund decides are acceptable.

At the same time, the U.S. government has been working on means to implement the FAO's Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.  NMFS' implementation plan states, in effect, that they are going to implement the Code by following U.S. law.

In response to these efforts, a U.S. seafood industry steering committee met in January, 1997, under the auspices of the National Fisheries Institute, to determine how the industry might react.  On March 19, 1997, the steering committee (including members from WCSPA) developed the U.S. Fisheries Industry Principles for Responsible Fisheries.  On March 26, 1997, the WCSPA Board of Directors unanimously endorsed the Principles, becoming the first fisheries group in the nation to do so.  Since then, the list of endorsements has grown to at least 25 different companies and organizations accounting for in excess of 3.5 billion pounds of domestic fish and seafood production.

Endorsing the Principles is only the first step, however; the industry must now decide how the Principles will be implemented.  What follows is WCSPA's Implementation Plan for Responsible Fisheries, which was formally adopted by the WCSPA Board of Directors on January 28, 1998.

WEST COAST SEAFOOD PROCESSORS ASSOCIATION
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR RESPONSIBLE FISHERIES
As seafood processors who have endorsed the U.S. Fisheries Industry Principles for Responsible Fisheries (Principles), the members of the West Coast Seafood Processors Association (WCSPA) have accepted a moral commitment to implement these Principles in their business operations.  Moreover, WCSPA - as the endorsing agent - has an obligation as an association to act on behalf of its members to support and enhance the Principles.

Since WCSPA as an organization is not directly involved in the harvesting, processing, culturing or marketing of fish and fish products, WCSPA is limited in the actions it can take to implement the Principles.  However, there are certain things that WCSPA can do which will demonstrate our continuing commitment to responsible fisheries.  Following is a list of general and specific actions which will form the initial basis of WCSPA's Implementation Plan.  Over time, this list may be modified or supplemented as new opportunities arise for WCSPA to fulfill its obligations and to help WCSPA members meet their commitments.
 

1.    Compliance with laws and regulations.
WCSPA will monitor changes in laws and regulations affecting the fisheries in which             WCSPA members participate and communicate regularly with its members to ensure that they have the most up-to-date information possible.

2.    Cooperate in data collection, support research.
WCSPA will continue to participate in efforts by the Pacific groundfish industry to establish cooperative scientific projects with the National Marine Fisheries Service.

WCSPA will assist with a proposed research project involving use of plant workers in collecting important groundfish data.  This will include technical assistance, in-kind contributions by
WCSPA members, and possible financial assistance.

If agreement is reached with other industry groups, WCSPA will help fund and direct scientific efforts conducted under Ocean Trust to improve Pacific groundfish stock assessments.

If requested, and contingent on availability of funds, WCSPA will provide assistance for annual pre-season crab sampling by State agencies.
 
3.    Support development of conservation and management measures.
WCSPA members and staff will continue participation in Council advisory panels which help craft such measures.

4.    Not tolerate illegal actions.
WCSPA will continue to work with representatives of enforcement bodies to enhance compliance.

WCSPA will continue to promote specific measures to enhance compliance, including a requirement for Pacific groundfish processor permits and development of a groundfish enforcement plan.

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