Why FISH?

The Seafood Industry is Unique

Wild-capture fisheries are unique in both their complexity and diversity, worldwide. From the initial harvest, primary processing, and all the logistical hurdles along the way, the wild-capture seafood industry has more moving parts than in any other food production sector. Because of this complexity companies harvesting seafood may want independent, credible, third-party validation that they’re taking all the appropriate steps to ensure the fair and safe treatment of their workers at sea. They may also want a mechanism that identifies any problems they have that they could be unaware of, so they can make changes. The FISH Standard is this mechanism.

Buyers Want Assurance

While most companies do the right thing by recruiting fishermen and women properly, treating them with respect onboard, and offering a process to address any workplace concerns, there have been challenges and bad actors in the industry. Media reports of these challenges have shined a spotlight on the fact that everyone harvesting seafood deserves fair and equitable treatment and consumers want assurance that this the case. The FISH Standard assures seafood buyers that the fish was caught by a fisherman or woman treated fairly and paid properly.

Global Fishing Impacts

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) noted in the latest State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020 report that, “the world’s appetite for fish and fish products shows no sign of slowing.” Other interesting findings from the report:

  1. Wild fisheries production reached the highest level recorded at 96.4 million tonnes
  2. Wild-capture fisheries employs 39 million people globally
  3. The total number of fishing vessels was estimated to be 4.6 million globally
  4. Fish provided ~3.3 billion people with 20% of avg per capita intake of animal protein
  5. 38 percent of all fish caught or farmed worldwide are traded internationally

Essential for Jobs, Sustainability, and Food Security

Seafood is not only recognized as one of the most nutritious foods on the planet, but FAO also recognizes seafood for having one of the least environmental impacts compared to other food production methods. Fishing is vital to food security and nutrition as well as economic and social development. The men and women who work the sea are incredibly important.

Fairness, Integrity, Safety, And Health (FISH) Standard For Crew, Inc. is registered and incorporated in the State of Delaware in the United States. FISH Standard for Crew has applied for a 501 C (6) designation with the IRS. FISH Standard for Crew’s Employer Identification Number is EIN 84-4907466.