Friend of the Sea, the non-government organization that promotes programs certifying products procured from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture sources, announced on February 6 that Ozernovskii Rybokonzernyi Zadov, Rybholkam Ltd and Tymlatskiy Rybokombinat Co. Ltd, partners of Unimak Maritime Group, have made the grade for sockeye and pink salmon harvested from fisheries in Kamchatka, Eastern Russia.
Auditors confirmed the fisheries do not negatively impact spawning and nursery grounds. Coastal seiners go fishing far from the coast and protected areas, in the Sea of Okhotsk and in the Pacific Ocean waters. No other fishing method is permitted. Seals or sea lions are immediately released when they accidentally enter traps.
Special care is given to workers and medical assistance on board ship is provided. Medical visits are performed every year for fishermen and every two years for workers at the processing plants on land. Strict safety measures, explained during periodic training sessions, have to be complied with.
“We are proud that our Russian partners are now certified sustainable by Friend of the Sea,” commented William Turner, Unimak Maritime Group’s president. “This important recognition confirms our environmental conservation and social accountability policies are valid and strong.”
Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA-headquartered Unimak Maritime Group is an international concern specializing in seafood sales and maritime vessel management. The company has more than 25 years of experience and has developed a strong relationship with producers in the Russian Far East.
