*Da. INTEGRATED COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PROJECT 2012*

Eco-certification and Eco-labelling Systems: Possibility of Application in South East Asian countries

Detail on Philippines situation

October 2013

Gianluigi Negroni

EU Organic EU Ecolabel

Some private food eco-labels

USA and Japan official standards

Table of Contents

Abstract3Table of Contents4Common Terms and Abbreviations7Introduction8Eco-certification is Market-based8Consumer Opinion8History of Eco-certification9Overview on Eco-certification9Aquaculture and Fishery9Eco-Certification9Certification Scheme Development and Updating10Certification and Control10Steps to be Accredited as a Producer11Eco-Labelling11Organic Food Certification Priorities11International Organic Certification13EU Regulation of Organic Aquaculture13USDA Standard Organic Product13IFOAM14FEAP14FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF)14ISO14Some Eco-certification Private Schemes for Seafood15Marine Stewardship Council15Friend of the Sea15Global Aquaculture Alliance15Naturland15Monterey Bay Aquarium16Seafood Choices Alliance16Marine Aquarium Council16Fairtrade16IFAT16EurepGap17Soil Association Certification Ltd.17Suolo E Salute17National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia17BioGro New Zealand Production Standards17KRAV Kontroll AB Organic Standards17Debio Organic Aquaculture Standards18Thai Marine Shrimp Culture Codes of Conduct18Eco-certification Sceptics18Possibilities for Eco-certification Schemes in South East Asian countries18The Philippine Situation19International Marinelife Alliance19BFAR Opinion19Market20Producer20IEC for Eco-certification20Proposal for South East Asian Eco-certification Activities21(A) Creation of New Eco-certification Schemes21(B) Certification of Producers21(C) Integrated Multi Tropic Aquaculture Certification22(D) Organize and execute IEC campaigns for Philippine consumers22Figure 1. Some Ecolabels22Conclusions23Bibliography25Appendices28Appendix A: Example of Eco-labelling from a Certification Company28Appendix B: Ecolabelling Scheme of EU30Appendix C: Non-food Certification31Appendix D: MSC Third Party Certification32Appendix E: Base of Procedural Items for Eco-certification33Appendix F: IMA Example34Appendix G: Walmart Share in Sustainable Fishery Products35

Common Terms and AbbreviationsADBAsian Development Bank

BFARBureau of Fisheries & Aquaculture, Department of Agriculture

CACompetent Authority

CBDConvention on Biological Diversity

CDMClean Development Mechanism

CENROCommunity Environment and Natural Resource Officer, DENR

CMMDCoastal Marine and Management Division, PAWB

DAODepartment Administrative Order

DENRDepartment of Environment and Natural Resources

EAExecuting Agency

ECCEnvironmental Clearance Certificate

EIARCEnvironmental Impact Assessment Review Committee

EIAEnvironmental Impact Assessment

EOExecutive Order

EMBEnvironment Management Bureau, DENR

EMPEnvironmental Management Plan

FASPOForeign-Assisted and Special Projects Office, DENR

GEFGlobal Environment Facility

GOPGovernment of the Philippines

KESKnowledge Exchange System

IAImplementing Agency

ICMIntegrated Coastal Management

ICRMIntegrated Coastal Resources Management

IECInformation, Education and Communication

IMTAIntegrated Multi Tropic Aquaculture

IRInception Report

IIMSIntegrated Information Management System

IRRImplementing Rules and Regulations

LGULocal Government Unit

MDFOMunicipal Development Fund Office, DOF

MPAMarine Protected Area

NBSAPNational Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan

NCRMPNational Coastal Resources Management Policy

NGONon-Government Organization

NIPASNational Integrated Protected Area System

PAMProject Administration Memorandum

PAMBProtected Area Management Board

PASProtected Area System

PAWBProtected Areas & Wildlife Bureau, DENR

PCAMRDPhilippine Council for Aquatic & Marine Research and Development

PENROProvincial Environment and Natural Resource Officer, DENR

PEMSEAPartnership in Environmental Management of the Seas of East Asia

PIC/PMCProject Implementation / Management Consultants

PIUProject Implementation Unit (Regional)

PMOProject Management Office

PPMSProject Performance Management System

PSCProject Steering Committee

REARapid Environmental Assessment

RICRegional ICRM Centre

TORTerms of Reference

IntroductionThis paper provides some applicative and practical recommendations for the application of eco-certification and eco-labelling in Asia with detail for Philippines. After reviewing the available information on eco-certification and relying on personal experience, the consultant highlights important aspects in eco-certification. He is the leading fishery specialist certification specialist for Suolo e Salute the main certification body in Italy.To assure the quality of this output, the author consulted colleagues, stakeholders and consumers during several mission in South east Asian countries. It is his belief that not having these future beneficiaries in mind during output preparation would result in a low success rate during a possible fishery certification scheme implementation.Eco-certification is Market-basedEco-labelling systems exist for both food and consumer products. Both systems were started by NGOs in the 1970s but have evolved successfully that the European Union, USA, and Japan now have their own food product schemes. Eco-labelling is an element of the green market, where consumers pay for eco-labelled products.Eco-certification is an elemental part of the emerging green market and has a fast-developing rate. In the last 20 years in developed countries, green activities such as organic food production have started from scratch and are now experiencing a market percent share with double-digit numbers, indicating that consumers are keen in adding value to food quality and sustainability.Consumer OpinionAn L.E.K. Carbon Footprint Report showed that more than 50% of surveyed UK consumers prefer to have carbon footprint information on the products they purchase. About 50% was also found to be willing to switch to brands with smaller carbon footprints (Wheatland, 2007). Consequently, a survey conducted by the Newcastle Business School of Northumbria University involving 400 consumers showed that 72% wanted to see carbon labels on their food products (Huge Demand, 2010). Moreover, the Seafood Choices Alliance (2005), an international NGO, also showed in their 2005 survey that 85% of average (751 interviews) consumers from UK, Germany, and Spain are concerned about the present condition of the oceans. It is clear that consumers are not only interested about the products they buy but also the health of the oceans from where these products are sourced.There are certification schemes for a wide range of products and services. However, this section will be limited to food productions, as marine fishery and aquaculture constitute the bulk of fish production in the identified ICRM regions. There are several opportunities for eco-certified products and services (see Appendix B). One opportunity is discussed in detail by the author (See Carbon Zero Training paper). Eco-certification activities (e.g., ecotourism, technological platform) are also discussed briefly in another paper (See Review of Biodiversity Conservation Policies paper by Negroni). History of Eco-certificationEco-certification and consequent eco-labelling started in the 1970s in Europe and was developed in the 1990s in main industrialized countries. Many products are being certified in different industrial sectors (Potts, n.d.).OECD 1994 has defined environmental labelling as:voluntary granting of labels by a private or public body in order to inform consumers and thereby promote consumer products which are determinate to be environmentally friendlier than other functionally and competitively similar products(Potts, n.d., p. 6).To add, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) reports that all ecolabels share a common goal, which is:...through communication of verifiable and accurate information, that is not misleading, on environmental aspects of products and services, to encourage the demand for and supply of those products and services that cause less stress on the environment, thereby stimulating the potential for market-driven continuous environmental improvement (Global Ecolabelling Network, 2004, p. 2).

Overview on Eco-certificationThe consultant deeply analyzed the present systems and related agencies, institutions, and main bodies that are involved in the eco-certification process. The seafood eco-certification process will be discussed in detail in this output, regarding it with more interest and potential for seafood production especially in MPAs.Aquaculture and FisheryOrganic aquaculture is already clearly regulated by national and international mandatory or voluntary schemes. This means that in order to sell aquaculture products with the label produced by organic aquaculture in the EU, USA, Japan, or in other states, the product must be certified by an accredited certification body. Fishery products can be sold under a voluntary scheme and labelled sustainable fishery products.Eco-CertificationAmong the most popular organic standards in the world are those in the USA, EU, and Japan. In the US is the organic agriculture standard managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) together with several state-level certifying organizations. The EU administers the organic standard in Europe, which is sometimes known as biological agriculture. It is regulated by the Directorate General for Health and Consumer Affairs (DG-SANCO) and implemented by accredited certification bodies. In EU there is also an eco-labelling scheme for non-food products and services (see Appendix B and Appendix C). Japans eco-certification scheme is the Japan Agriculture Society Standard.Certification Scheme Development and UpdatingThere are different certification schemes for aquaculture products and many others are blooming in the certification market as a response to the requests of the consumers of certified organic and sustainable products. However, a certification scheme needs several steps to be developed and updated.Normally a certification scheme is developed through a stakeholders consultation such as the new ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council), where several meetings and public consultations are held regularly in order to define the critical standards and limits for the particular aquaculture certification scheme. This process can take some time to be developed.The said scheme is periodically updated and every certification body has a special committee formed for this purpose.Certification and ControlSometimes, the terms control and certification are used interchangeably. Controlled company and certified company for instance, are thought to be synonymous with each other. In the organic sector however, this should not be the case. Control is an obligation by law, having the scope of verifying the compliance with the standards in order to suppress possible frauds. Certification on the other hand is voluntary and depends on the results of the control.The active members involved in the certification process are: (1) the standards that fix the quality of the product or the process; (2) the company, fulfilling the quality and the compliance with the standards; and (3) the agency, that controls the quality and the company conformity. The responsibility over the certification belongs to the supplier, that is to say, to the company that puts the certified product in the market. In order to get the product certification, the company should have observed the organic standards during a period of conversion to organic agriculture. According to EU aquaculture organic standards, this period can last for at least one year. The starting date for the conversion period is the notification date. During the conversion period, but not before twelve months after the date of notification, the product can be certified as product in conversion to organic agriculture. After the conversion period is finished, the product can be certified using the words: product from organic aquaculture.It is also possible to certify a product coming from wild algae harvest. This is possible only if: (1) the harvesting area is free from risks of pollution; (2) it is far enough from conventional cultivation areas; (3) it has an approved development plan; (4) it is under the same control process as the other aquaculture productions; or (5) the competent authority has been notified in order to register in the appropriate list. The certification will be granted only after the verification through inspection of the production area and eventually through product analysis. The product certificate is the document which certifies that a batch or a certain quantity has been produced following the organic standards according to the actual legislation. It is granted under written request from the controlled company.Steps to be Accredited as a ProducerNormally the certification process requires a detailed documentation before the first visit of the inspector (applying the certification body standards). After the starting visit, the licensed farms and businesses are inspected at least once a year for the compliance to the required organic standard. It is also possible that a number of random spot inspections be done unannounced. In other times an inspection can be carried out in response to a complaint or concern raised.Eco-LabellingAn eco-label is, in simple terms, an indication that a product is a certified organic product. The labelling of food products is very important and delicate because it concerns both consumers and producers. The consumer comes to know the most important qualities of the product through the label. The producer must follow the various standards of the labelling process, and at the same time, take into account as much as possible the overall outcome of the product. One example of labelling organic products is provided by EC 2092/91 See Appendix A. However, this regulation is currently being revised and updated:(a) Product from organic agriculture this category includes the products in which at least 95% of the agricultural ingredients (salt and water excluded) are from organic agriculture. (b) 70% from organic agriculture this category includes the products with at least 70% of the agricultural ingredients produced following the method of organic farming. (c) Product in conversion to organic farming these are the products obtained during the conversion period from conventional to organic agriculture. The product must have only one ingredient from agricultural origin.Organic Food Certification PrioritiesIn aquaculture, the organic standards method takes into consideration the dependence of aquatic animals on the condition of the aquatic environment. Aquatic animals reproduced in farms should be provided with clean water aside from organic feed. Other such details are discussed in organic standards.According to the Codex Alimentarius, organic agriculture is a global farming system that prioritizes the rational management of the internal resources of the farm and minimizes the use of external inputs, benefitingthe ecosystem manifold (Organic Agriculture, n.d., para. 1)The main goals of organic farming are common for both agriculture and aquaculture. It emphasizes the adoption of rational practices with respect towards the well-being of aquatic animals and their environment, the harmoniousmanagement of the rural areas, and the production of high quality agricultural/aquaculture products. Another objective of organic agriculture/aquaculture is to ensure the producers sufficient profits and satisfaction from their work, within a healthy and sustainable environment.Organic aquaculture/agriculture allows the consumers to choose their food that, beyond being free (most free as possible) of synthetic chemicals, has an added ethic/social/environmental value. The organic food certification priorities are normally present in all the organization and private schemes of organic certification and these are:1. Promoting the benefits of organic food and farmingOrganic food and farming is better for:- the environment, - the biodiversity, - the biosafety, - the wildlife, and- the highest standards of animal welfarePromoting the multiple benefits of organic production is core to the mission of organic certification.2. Protecting wildlife and biodiversity conservationOrganic farms are biodiversity havens for wildlife and provide homes for bees, birds, migrating birds and butterflies. (In fact, the UK Governments own advisors found that plant, insect, and bird life is up to 50% greater on organic farms).3. Human well-beingHydrogenated fats and controversial additives including aspartame, tartrazine, MSG are banned under organic standards.4. The environmentOrganic farming releases less greenhouse gases than non-organic farmingchoosing organic, local, and seasonal food can significantly reduce ones carbon footprint5. Food securityWith fluctuating oil prices, diminishing water supplies, and a growing global population to feed, food security is back on the political agenda. Some certification bodies are campaigning for a rapid transition from current oil and chemical-based food and farming methods, to more resilient, local, and organic production.

6. Green procurement and food for LifeSome certification bodies are working to revolutionize school meals (and other public tendering process) by giving children the chance to grow and cook food, and visit organic farms. If all the public tendering processes are requested to buy only green certified products, a great step will be achieved in conservation effort.7. GM, antibiotics and pesticidesThe organic association campaigns against genetic modification (GM) and the misuse of antibiotics and other non-biological substances in animal production has led to a government ban on seven growth promoting hormones, and pesticides. Only controlled treatment can be done in organic animal farm with priorities for natural treatments.8. Feed for animal must come from organic cultivation and sustainable fishery activities9. The brood stock must come from organic farms10. Farm must be located in placed in areas not highly polluted11. Periodical control on water quality12. Animal welfare for animal well-beingOrganic products promote the health and well-being of humans as well as the environment. It supports the welfare of animals and of wildlife. The advantages of organic products can be experienced only when consumers patronize them.International Organic CertificationCertification bodies inspect and award organic certification to farms and businesses that meet the organic standards. Any product sold as organic must comply with strict rules set at USA, Japan, EU, and for other international standards. These rules (known as standards) assure consumers they are buying genuinely organic products that can be fully traceable back to the farm.Standards can be voluntary or mandatory. Some voluntary standards are more restrictive than mandatory ones in terms of the minimum requirementsespecially in areas concerning the environment and animal welfare. EU Regulation of Organic AquacultureEU legislation on organic aquaculture standards includes the following set of legislation (DG SANCO) Reg 834_2007 Organic agriculture standards Reg 710/2009 Aquaculture Reg 889/2008 implementation rules Reg 1235/2008 imports And related modification and application in the member countriesUSDA Standard Organic ProductUSDA organic production is a system that is managed in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990 and regulations in Title 7, Part 205 of the Code of Federal Regulations to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. The National Organic Program (NOP) develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labelling standards (Agricultural Marketing Service, 2010, para. 1). A new legislative approach is under approval in USA.IFOAMThe International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) plays a leading role in the standard development and updating as reference points of the majority of certification bodies. IFOAM provides international guidelines for organic agriculture and its standards are widely utilized as reference standard (IBS IFOAM Basic Standard).FEAPThe Federation of European Aquaculture Producers Code of Conduct for European Aquaculture (FIAP) complies with the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. It has guidelines on social and economic relationships, consumer transparency, and consumer quality. This code does not or use certification or labels (Macfadyen, 2004).FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF)The code serves as international guidelines for sustainable fishery and aquaculture. A code includes best fishery practices that were signed into agreement by various states after several consultation meetings.ISOThe International Organization for Standardization (ISO), with the serial 14000, described environmental certification standards at different levels as summarized in the following types (ISO 14000 standard): Type I, Environmental labelling (ISO 14024), EL - Environmental LabellingEnvironmental labels in form of symbol or logo awarded to aproduct that meet the requirements of present multiple criteria developed by the third party which are based on life cycle consideration Type II, Self-declared environmental claims (ISO 14021), EPE- Environmental Performance Evaluation, Environmental claims made by importers, distributors, or retailers indicating a single environmental aspect of product text and symbol Type III, environmental Declaration (ISO 14025), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Detailed environmental declaration through environmental profile data sheet evaluated by using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) defined in ISO 14040n Series

Some Eco-certification Private Schemes for SeafoodIn this section the most common eco-certification schemes are described to provide the reader a clear picture of the actual situation. Eco-labels are provided to producers as long as they guarantee that during the tuna catch, dolphins that are accidentally captured are released back into the wild.Marine Stewardship CouncilMSC certifies a whole chain of fishery products (chain of custody). This non-profit organization is based in London. It was founded by the Anglo-Dutch food and household giant Unilever and the environmental group World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 1997. Globally it certifies 94 fisheries, which account for 7% of the global catch, a share worth around US$ 1.5 B a year. A further 133 fisheries are currently undergoing certification. It is considered one of the most efficient certification schemes in the global market. The label is used at wet fish counters in supermarkets, on supermarket private-label products, as well as branded frozen, smoked and canned products.Appendix D contains details of the Third party Certification Scheme of MSC. Actually, the Marine/Aquaculture Stewardship Council (MSC/ASC) is updating its standards through a stakeholder consultation to be launched soon in the market.Friend of the SeaIt is a well known NGO that provides market incentives and supports sustainable fishery projects. It utilizes the same label for fishery and aquaculture products from around the world. The main international certification bodies work for auditing Friend of the Sea eco-certification schemes. Friend of the Sea follows the FAO Guidelines for the Ecolabeling of Fish and Fishery Products from Marine Capture Fisheries, by fulfilling Article 30 of the Guidelines which allows certification only of products from fisheries targeting stocks which are not overexploited (Wikipedia, 2010, para. 23).Global Aquaculture AllianceThe Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) is an international, non-profit trade association based in the USA. It is dedicated to the advance of environmentally and socially responsible aquaculture (The Global Aquaculture Alliance, n.d., para. 1). The GAA believes that aquaculture is the only sustainable means of increasing seafood supply (para. 1) that will be able to meet the food needs of the world's population today and in the future.GAA specialized committees have already developed best fishery practices for several species such as catfish and shrimp.NaturlandNaturland promotes organic agriculture the world over and its 55,000 members make it one of the major organic farming associations. As a forward-looking association, Naturland attributes the same importance to issues of social responsibility as to organic expertise (Naturland, n.d.a, para. 1). Naturlands farmers and processors work to the highest organic standards, which are even more stringent than those of the German national eco label, Bio-Siegel and EU organic standard. They produce high-quality foodstuffs without recourse to genetic engineeringsafeguarding both the environment and the consumer (Naturland, n.d.a, para. 2).Naturland certifies organic aquaculture and sustainable fishery products through its new program, Fish wise. Naturland is considered as one of the strictest certification bodies in the international arena. It also specializes for northern European markets.Monterey Bay AquariumIt has a well-known seafood watchdog program that promotes environmental conservation ideas and provides information about biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. It directly advises consumers about sustainable seafood resources from fishery and aquaculture. It is California-based.Seafood Choices AllianceThis organization involves fishermen, chefs, and consumers in IEC campaigns for a better awareness about the overfishing and other marine problems. It is focused on environmental than social issues. It is based in the USA.Marine Aquarium CouncilThe MAC is an NGO that certifies producers and other retail operators which practice sustainable fishing of marine resources. It is also third party certified and is currently improving their standards for fishery and aquaculture.FairtradeThe Fairtrade Foundation is the independent non-profit organisation that licenses use of the FAIRTRADE Mark on products in the UK and other states in accordance with internationally agreed Fairtrade standards (Fairtrade, n.d., para. 1).The Foundations mission is to work with businesses, community groups and individuals to improve the trading position of producer organisations in the South and to deliver sustainable livelihoods for farmers, workers and their communities (Fairtrade, n.d., para. 6).Fairtrade tries to provide fair pricing to disadvantaged producers and workers particularly from developing countries. It eliminates the middle man and tries to provide more resources to the producers. The standards are flexible and can be used in several countries with South-South trade.IFATThe International Federation for Alternative Trade (IFAT) is the international network of Fair Trade organisations. It is estimated that more than five million producers around the world benefit from Fair Trade terms and the producer support and capacity building that is provided (Macfadyen, 2004, p. 7).IFATs Code of Practice is based around issues of: commitment to fair trade, ethical issues, transparency, working conditions, equal employment, concern for people, concern for the environment, respect for the producers cultural identity, education and advocacy, and working relationships (Macfadyen, 2004, p. 7).EurepGapEurepGap is a certification system driven by 22 large-scale retail chains that form the core members of the Euro-Retailer Produce Association (EUREP). The main focus of the Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) norms is on food safety and quality. The seven retailers are ASDA, The Co-operative Group, J. Sainsbury, Marks and Spencer, Safeway Stores, Somerfield Stores and Tesco. The seafood manufacturers are Anchor Seafood and Lyons Seafoods. It includes traceability and environmental (IPM practices) and social (issues on workers health) norms, although these have been criticised for being rather vague (Macfadyen, 2004, pp. 7-8).Soil Association Certification Ltd. Soil Association Certification Ltd. is one of the oldest organic associations in the EU. It is based in the United Kingdom. According to Macfadyen (2004), this organization has no emphasis of poverty in its aquaculture standards.Suolo E SaluteSuolo E Salute is the oldest organic association in Italy. It is also the largest certification body in Italy, with more than 50,000 certified hectares. Suolo E Salute already has a developed aquaculture organic standard and is currently in consultation for developing sustainable fishery standards.National Association for Sustainable Agriculture AustraliaIt is an organic agriculture association that certifies its members using IFOAM standards.BioGro New Zealand Production StandardsBioGro is similar to the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia in the sense that is also certifies organic aquaculture, but it does not currently include any social component.KRAV Kontroll AB Organic StandardsIt is based in Sweden and it is IFOAM accredited there are no social or poverty standards included in its certification scheme.

Debio Organic Aquaculture StandardsIt is based in Norway and does not have a social component in its certification scheme.Thai Marine Shrimp Culture Codes of ConductIn Thailand the Thai Marine Shrimp Culture Codes of Conduct is a national voluntary code that strongly adheres to GAA codes. It is a set of principles and processes that provides a framework to meet the industrys goal for environmental, social and economic responsibility (Macfadyen, 2004, p. 5). It caters especially to the need of small scale Thai shrimp farmers. It is calculated that about 5% of Thai shrimp farmers are involved in the scheme (Macfadyen, 2004).Consequently, Vietnam is developing a national code on shrimp farming which aims to include social and sustainability issues (Macfadyen, 2004). In the Philippines, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR, 2009) produced a guide entitled Managing Aquaculture and its Impact: A Guidebook for Local Governments. It contains several good aquaculture practices that adhere to FAO 214/2001, AO 8550, and other related legislations.Eco-certification ScepticsMany critique the eco-certification scheme and eco-labelling system. It is even difficult to draw the line between eco-certified products and those that are not, causing confusion to both producers and consumers. Even the MSC is severely criticized by fishery conservationists for providing blue label to overfished stocks. Some private companies are also accused of greenwash or exaggerating their green activities. Another issue is the low emphasis of the social issue in the eco-certification scheme, concentrating on the environmental aspect only (World Resources Institute, 2010). But demand for eco-certified products continues to increase globally, undermining the critiques with the growing demand, even from imperfect schemes.

Possibilities for Eco-certification Schemes in some South East Asian countriesAfter the presentation and analysis of the eco-certification and eco-label sector, the consultant is ready to discuss the possibility of launching an eco-certification activity in the some East Asian countries. It will be important to consider the market possibility, the awareness of the consumers, and the willingness of producers to collaborate with each other and other stakeholders. Organic aquaculture and the sustainable fishery will be discussed but in the end, the support of concerned government agencies is the base of a subsistent step towards the development of an organic/sustainable fishery activity. As an example, Appendix G presents Walmarts share from organic fishery products. Some detail will be provided for the Philippines certification situation

The Philippine SituationA few agencies (e.g., PHILMINAQ) have already undertaken projects related to organic aquaculture. Private farms like the Herbana Farm have also started to produce organic fish. Initiatives on sustainable fishery certification are evident in Apo Island MPA (Silliman University), blue crab sustainable fishery (Sustainable Fishery Partnership), Peablanca protected seascape (Palawan Province), and in other several sites.International Marinelife AllianceIMA was originally founded in 1985, and for many years devoted most of its attention to exposing and combating the widespread use of cyanide to stun and capture live reef fish in the Philippines. This destructive practice was invented in the Philippines in the early 1960s for the capture of aquarium fish, and soon spread to the live reef food fishery, in which larger reef fish (primarily groupers and snapper) are exported mainly to Hong Kong and other cities in southern China (International Marinelife Alliance, n.d., para. 1).Appendix F contains more detail about the IMA.BFAR OpinionAccording to Malcom I. Sarmiento, current Director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Philippines, his vision for Philippine aquaculture is one that provides more food, more employment, and more foreign investment rather than an aquaculture industry that results to habitat destruction, pollution, and farmed-induced calamities such as fish kill. In no way should the environmental integrity be compromised (pers. comm.).A paper by Dr. Nelson Lopez (2006) entitled Sustainable Development and Trends in the Philippine Aquaculture was presented at the FFTC-RCA International Workshop on Innovative Technologies for Eco-friendly Fish Farm Management and Production of Safe Aquaculture Foods in Bali, Indonesia. It provides a clear picture of the fishery/aquaculture situation in the Philippines with all the needs for sustainable fishery and poverty reduction that are the basis for a national eco-certification scheme. The paper describes the much needed policy reforms, the eco-friendly technologies, and the marketing needs that can transform the declining Philippines fishery (despite an increment of production this year) in a sustainable productive fishery. He emphasized three points: (1) international marketing; (2) best practices for aquaculture and fishery; and (3) national control of production. The author adds (4) the awareness of the consumers.Moreover it is interesting to mention the development of BFARs Export Highways that highlight the fishery product exports in neighbouring countries and the Marine Parks which the government is preparing as industrial parks for aquaculture. There are already 16 of these parks operating, with more being planned. These two developments should be kept in mind as these are avenues for further development of the organic aquaculture and sustainable fishery.MarketIn The Philippines, the market for organic food is still in its infancy. Only a few food shops and supermarkets have organic fishery products. This was the situation two decades ago in EU, USA, and in some other countries. This indicates that there is only a small group of high end consumers ready to spend more for organic fishery products in the Philippines. According to BFAR, the country has an estimated per capita fishery product consumption of 36 Kg/year. It is also interesting to note that in Manila, there is an existing organic market called Salcedo Organic Saturday Farmer Market. It is of course a niche market but the trend is already started here. It is, therefore, possible to follow the same trend in other markets. To be able to do this, there is firstly a need to forecast the development speed of the said niche organic market.The market for organic and sustainable fishery products in the Philippines may still be small, but there is room for development and learning from established international markets (See Appendix G). These international markets have high demand for organic and sustainable raw materials and products, as the North American, EU, and Japan suppliers are limited and have high cost in production. Personal experiences of the consultant confirm this statement as he was present at Biofach 2001 in Nuremberg, the largest world organic food fair. The observed trends were that suppliers had a limited quantity of organic and sustainable fishery products and that these products were sold at prices that were higher than non-certified fishery products.ProducerPhilippine fishery producers are not well informed about the existing eco-certification systems available for their production system. Moreover, in the Philippines, despite being one of the major world fishery producing countries, the majority of fishermen and fish farmers are artisanal and small-scale. Any eco-certification activity would then require these small-time stakeholders to form bigger groups and attain the following: have a quantity of certified fishery products to market; to assure a quality system that respect the eco-certification and other standards; to benefit a large number of stakeholders; to easily communicate with the stakeholders; and to share the cost of certification IEC for Eco-certificationThe Philippine population has access and is made aware of information on environmental and biodiversity conservation. It does not, however, have much information or awareness on fishery product eco-certification or organic products for the matter. An Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign should be in place to boost up the development of the organic aquaculture sector.

Proposal for Philippines Eco-certification ActivitiesThe author proposes some activities for the aquaculture/fishery sector that can be developed by DENR/BFAR and by the regional ICRM centres (RICs) in their locality, considering their feasibility during pilot studies.(A) Creation of New Eco-certification SchemesDeveloping of Philippine standards for organic aquaculture and/or sustainable fishery could be an interesting proposal, especially because it will be fitted for the need of the local stakeholders. BFAR (2009) has already prepared a guide for aquaculture best practices that can be the basis for future possible certification scheme developing. This guide is based on RA 8550.The possible scheme development will take time through periodic stakeholder consultation and constant effort by the implementing body in charge. Moreover, the financial cost of this operation must be secured. Another point is that eco-certification schemes have great potential value for international markets, so effort must be made in IEC in order to promote them nationally as well as internationally.Due to the intrinsic characteristic of this technology, the most promising aquaculture subsector to be developed eco-certification schemes could be for milkfish, algae, and bivalve mollusc aquaculture. Moreover, MPAs that already practice sustainable fishery can easily be certified. An action plan for eco-certification scheme development could include the following: Scientific committee creation Definition of eco-certification objectives Stakeholder consultation Definition of the standards Public awareness Eco-certification scheme creation Start of certification of stakeholders(B) Certification of ProducersAnother interesting possibility could be to finance the certification of some groups of organic fish farmers and/or sustainable fishermen. As mentioned earlier, it would be favourable for those small-scale fishermen to organize a group/association for certification.This activity should be operated within the framework of the ICM plan and the ICRMP. Some possible activities could be: Milkfish farming (locally called bangus or Chanos chanos) this herbivorous fish has many characteristics fit for sustainability Algae farming Blue crab fishery with already some interest on it Bivalve mollusc farmers Group of fishermen in close connection with PMACertification schemes in the Philippines should be different for organic aquaculture and for sustainable artisanal fishery. This is to avoid the difficulties in having too many certification bodies and to have better certification prices. It should also address fishery chain needs.Proposed action plan: Determination of the objective Choosing the appropriate groups and areas Agreement with the stakeholders Project preparation Training Financial Marketing (National and international) Practical application of the certification system(C) Integrated Multi Tropic Aquaculture CertificationIMTA certification could pave the way for innovative development and certification of seafood products. More details on IMTA are already discussed in an earlier paper (See Review of Biodiversity Conservation Policies paper by Negroni).(D) Organize and execute IEC campaigns for Philippine consumersA media-supported campaign for seafood eco-certification will greatly help in promoting awareness and giving information to Philippine consumers about seafood eco-certified products (See Visibility Paper by Negroni).

Figure 1. Some Ecolabels

ConclusionsThe review of current literature related to eco-certification and eco-labelling schemes including environmental and social certification shows that there is a wide range of schemes related specifically to fisheries in Soth East Asian countries. The impact of this on Asian countries like the Philippines is not yet clear, perhaps understandably, as certification is a relatively new concept for the country and is still building momentum.The advantage of eco-certification and eco-labelling is that it provides a win-win situation in which there are benefits for both the environment and the stakeholders (e.g., producers and consumers). Benefits of certification include ecological improvements such as reduction in by catch, improved data, coastal area conservation, carbon footprint reduction, sustainable use of fishery resources, etc.In conclusion, sustainable seafood sourcing is increasingly becoming a mainstream practice. This trend has positive implications for livelihoods, food security, and ecological sustainability especially in small-scale and developing-country fisheries. In order for this particular sector to benefit from the practice of bringing sustainability into the marketplace, eco-labelling must be bound by a framework of equity, transparency, accessibility, and credibility. The global consumer can also show their support by buying eco-certified seafood products.At present, there are no detailed studies yet on the quantification of the actual market size in a particular country for environmentally or socially certified fishery products, either as a total or broken down by species or market segment (e.g. retail or catering). But, several opinion surveys indicate that the consumer greatly considers the sustainability of seafood and other products.The market demand of both consumers and producers for environmentally certified products, especially for socially certified products, maybe from a certain point of view limited. Its potential impacts on developing countries may therefore be overstated. Consumer surveys have the tendency to overstate support for such schemes and theoretical willingness to pay, compared to actual purchasing behaviour. However, it is of course very difficult to say how market demand might evolve in the future. If momentum builds for eco-certification both as a result of increased demand and increased interest by producers, a greater range of certified products would inevitably mean that impacts on developing country producers would become more likely and more widespread. The consultant has favourable opinion about the development of eco-certified food products with particular regard to products from fishery and aquaculture in the Philippines.The first and overriding policy recommendation is therefore to support detailed empirical studies, little experience, and pilot projects to explore issues such as the actual market demand for socially and environmentally certified products under different schemes, and the relative positive and negative impacts of environmental certification.The author suggested three possibilities to develop the eco-certification in the Philippines: creation of a new eco-certification scheme; provide eco-certification to groups of producers; and IMTA certification.Some policy recommendations can be provided for the development of the Philippine market for eco-certified products: Organization of IEC Campaigns Training for government agencies, NGOs, and producer associations Pilot project organization supported by international agencies Development of eco-certification scheme adapted to the Philippine situation Eco-certification scheme with direct support to the livelihood of artisanal producers Cost-effective scheme developments Harmonization of local and national schemes to international standards with emphasis on third party certification Actual eco-certification schemes to include social, poverty mitigation, and gender components

BibliographyAgricultural Marketing Service of the United States Department of Agriculture [USDA-AMS]. (2010). National organic program. Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop BAP standards. (n.d.). Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.gaalliance.org/bap/standards.phpBureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources [BFAR]. (2009). Managing aquaculture and its impact: A guide for local governments.Environmental Law Institute and The Ocean Foundation. (2008). Gold standard for sustainable aquaculture ecolabel design [Technical Report]. Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.elistore.org/Data/products/d18__11.pdfHoexter, M. (2006). Eco-certification: A foundation for effective green marketing. Retrieved September 2010, from http://greenthoughts.us/2006/08/01/eco-certification-foundation-for-effective-green-marketing/

Huge demand for carbon labels foundNewcastle business school survey. (2010). Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.newcastlebusinessschool.co.uk/newsArticle.aspx?newsguid=d1ae8d59-1efb-480c-be3c-d87dbab1dccfFood and Agriculture Organization [FAO]. (1995). Code of conduct for responsible fisheries. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved September 2010, from ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/005/v9878e/v9878e00.pdf_________________________________. (1999). Guidelines for the production, processing, labelling and marketing of organically produced foods. Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.fao.org/organicag/doc/glorganicfinal.pdf_________________________________. (2005). FAO guidelines for ecolabeling of fish and fishery products from marine capture fisheries. FAO Fisheries Department. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved September 2010, from http://library.enaca.org/certification/publications/expertworkshop/03%20Guidelines%20for%20fisheries%20ecolabelling.pdfEuropean Union Council Regulation (2008). Council regulation (EC) no 1005/2008. Retrieved September 2010, from http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2008:286:0001:0032:EN:PDF

FishWise. (2009). Monterey bay aquarium and Oceana object to MSC. Retrieved September 2010, from http://fishwise.org/blog/94-monterey-bay-aquarium-and-oceana-object-to-msc-certification-of-pacific-hake-fishery

Global Ecolabelling Network [GEN]. (2004).. Introduction to ecolabelling [Information Paper]. Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.globalecolabelling.net/pdf/pub_pdf01.pdf

____________________________. (n.d.). What is ecolabelling? Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.gen.gr.jp/eco.htmlInternational Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements EU Group [IFOAM]. (2010). Organic aquaculture EU regulations (EC) 834/2007, (EC) 889/2008, (EC) 10/2009: Background, assessment, interpretation. Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.ifoam.org/about_ifoam/around_world/eu_group-new/positions/publications/aquaculture/IFOAMEU_IAMB_organic_aquaculture_dossier.pdfJolly, D. (2010). Scientists criticize system of certifying fisheries. Retrieved September 2010, from http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/fisheries/Macfadyen, G. (2004). Policy researchimplications of liberalization of fish trade for developing countries. Trade issues background paper: Ethical/social/eco-certification, labelling and guidelines [Project PR 26109]. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.nri.org/projects/fishtrade/issues-ethicallabelling.pdfNaturland. (n.d.a). About Naturland. Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.naturland.de/naturland.html#________. (n.d.b). Fish & seafood. Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.naturland.de/naturland_fish.html

Lopez, N.A. (2006). Sustainable development and trends in the Philippine aquaculture. Paper presented at the FFTC-RCA International Workshop on Innovative Technologies for Eco-friendly Fish Farm Management and Production of Safe Aquaculture Foods, 4-8 December 2006. Oloruntuyi, O. (2010). Winning with certification. Samudra Report, The Triannual Journal of the International Collective in Support of Fishworkers, 56, 26-31.Organic agriculture. (n.d.). Retrieved September 2010, from http://borgorui.com/organic.phpPotts, T. (n.d.). Eco-labels and aquaculture: An emerging policy instrument to drive sustainable practices? Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.umb.no/statisk/ior_english/refsnes/potts.pdfSeafood Choices Alliance. (2008). The U.S. marketplace for sustainable seafood: Are we hooked yet? Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.seafoodchoices.com/documents/USMarketplace2008_Full.pdf____________________. (2005). Constant cravings: The European consumer and sustainable seafood choices. Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.seafoodchoices.org/resources/documents/EUConsumer.pdfSoil Association. (n.d.). Organic standards. Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.soilassociation.org/Whatwedo/Organicstandards/tabid/246/Default.aspx

Stroiber, M. (2010). Is Eco-certification a carrotor killerfor innovation? Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.fastcompany.com/1612295/is-eco-certification-a-carrot-or-killer-for-innovationUnited Nations Conference on Trade and Development [UNCTAD] Secretariat. (1994). Trade and environment and UNCED follow-up activities in UNCTAD: Note prepared by the UNCTAD Secretariat for the second meeting of the commission on sustainable development. Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.ciesin.org/docs/008-581/008-581.htmlWheatland, J. (2007). The L.E.K. consulting 2007 carbon footprint report. Retrieved September 2010, from http://www.lek.com/sites/default/files/Carbon_Footprint_Report_print_version.pdf

Wikipedia. (2010). Ecolabel. Retrieved September 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EcolabelWorld Resources Institute. (2010). 2010 Global ecolabel monitor. Retrieved September 2010, from http://pdf.wri.org/2010_global_ecolabel_monitor.pdf

AppendicesAppendix A: Example of Eco-labelling from a Certification Company

The labelling of organic products in EU is provided by the EEC 2092/91:

(a) Product from organic agriculture: this category includes the products in which at least 95% of the agricultural ingredients (salt and water excluded) are from organic agriculture. The remaining quota must be from ingredients listed in Annex VI (part A for ingredients from non-agricultural origin; part B for the processing additives; part C for ingredients from conventional agriculture). Only the labels belonging to this category of products may include the phrase (optional): Organic Agriculture Control Regime E.E.C., accompanied by the Communitarian logo. Wine and vinegar belong also to this category; their labels may include the phrase: produced with grapes from organic agriculture, but not the one: wine/vinegar from organic agriculture.

(b) XX% from organic agriculture: this category includes the products with at least 70% of the agricultural ingredients produced following the method of organic farming. The remaining quota must be from ingredients listed in the Annex VI. The indications regarding the method of organic agriculture must be written in the list of ingredients with the same color, size and type of letter as the rest. The following phrase must be also included: XX% of the agricultural ingredients have been produced following the standards for organic production.

(c) Product in conversion to organic farming: these are the products obtained during the conversion period from conventional to organic agriculture. The product must have only one ingredient from agricultural origin.

General Observations: The standards for the labeling of the products from organic agriculture are added to the ones already existing for the respective conventional products. * Article 10 of the EEC Reg. N 2092/91 vetoes the adding to the indications of conformity to the method of organic production, any attribution of guarantee of superior organoleptic, nutritional or hygienic quality. It can be reported instead, any indication about the method of organic production (for example: the organic product does not use G.M.O. Products, that it is respectful of the environment and the animal and plant biodiversity). The reference to the organic production method can be reported in the product description or the list of ingredients, having in mind that the only use of the term organic in the selling denomination is not allowed because the indication refers to the method of production ( for example: fruit from organic agriculture, but not organic fruit). It is mandatory the indication of the agency of control which has done the controls and the certification. According to the D.L. N 220/95, it must be reported: Name of the Agency of Control and its Ministerial Authorizations; Authorization code for the printing of the labels given by the Agency of Control. We report below an example as reference for the control data:PRODOTTO DA AGRICOLTURA BIOLOGICA; Prodotto controllato e certificato da Suolo e Salute srl; OdC autorizzato con DM MRAAF 9697232/30.12.96; In applicazione al Reg. CEE. 2092/91; IT ASS Z123 T 070001 The Authorization code for the printing of the label (alphanumeric code) is built as follows:IT for ITALY; ASS for the Agency of Control; Z123 for the producer code (might be also composed by numbers only); T for processed product (F for fresh products such as fruits and vegetables); 070001 is the number of authorization for the printing of the labels given by the Agency of Control; for the labeling of fruits and vegetables a progressive code is used. The ingredients of non-agricultural origin (additives, excipients included; aromas, microbial preparations, oligoelements and vitamins) must be from the ones included in Annex VI of the Standards. No ingredient of an organic food can be submitted to treatments using ionizing radiations. They cannot be obtained either, with the use ofG.M.O. or with products derived from G.M.O.

Use of the Communitarian LogoThe use of the Communitarian logo is optional, but its use is subordinated to the respect of the conditions prescribed by the EEC Reg. N 2092/91. In this regard, we suggest to go to Annex V of the EEC Reg. N 2092/91, which contains all the prescriptions related to the use of the logo (colors, dimensions, etc).

Use of the Suolo e Salute logoYou may download from our website the regulation about the use of the Suolo e Salute logo.

How to apply for the Authorization for the printing of the labelsThe certification of the packaged products is done through the authorization for the printing of the labels given by the Certification Agency. Regarding the labelling of fresh produce, the reference to organic can be only made when the product is packed in a way to avoid manipulations (for example: in cellophane trays or in nets). For the fresh product sold in open boxes (that is to say in bulk), the certification can only be made through a product certificate.To apply for it, you may compile a module for the request of the authorization (down loadable form our website), and send it to the competent Regional Office of Suolo e Salute s.r.l. By the mean the producer will find more appropriate. We always advice to add a design of the label and any conformity certificates and/or accompanying documents regarding the purchase of the raw materials.The printing authorization is send to the producer together with the Register for Labels. This register must be kept updated by the producer in order to being a monitoring instrument of the labelling activity. It is possible to substitute the paper card by an computerized one, that can be created by the producer or, under request, by our labelling office.

Appendix B: Ecolabelling Scheme of EU

What is the Ecolabel scheme?

The European Ecolabel is a voluntary scheme, for non food products, established in 1992 to encourage businesses to market products and services that are kinder to the environment. Products and services awarded the Ecolabel carry the flower logo, allowing consumers - including public and private purchasers - to identify them easily. Today the EU Ecolabel covers a wide range of products and services, with further groups being continuously added. Product groups include cleaning products, appliances, paper products, textile and home and garden products, lubricants and services such as tourist accommodation.

While the logo may be simple, the environmental criteria behind it are tough, and only the very best products, which are kindest to the environment, are entitled to carry the EU Ecolabel. What is more, this is a label that consumers can genuinely trust. The criteria are agreed at European level, following wide consultation with experts, and the label itself is only awarded after verification that the product meets these high environmental and performance standards.

The EU Ecolabel is a rapidly growing brand. Many producers wanting to sell their products across Europe have realised the benefits that the European Ecolabel brings. Products bearing the Flower logo can be marketed throughout the European Union and the EEA countries (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein).

The voluntary nature of the scheme means that it does not create barriers to trade. On the contrary - many producers find that it gives them a competitive advantage.Ecolabel criteria are not based on one single factor, but on studies which analyse the impact of the product or service on the environment throughout its life-cycle, starting from raw material extraction in the pre-production stage, through to production, distribution and disposal.The flower logo helps manufacturers, retailers and service providers gain recognition for good standards, while helping purchasers to make reliable choices. The EU Ecolabel is part of a broader action plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production and Sustainable Industrial Policy adopted by the Commission on 16 July 2008.

Useful documents: Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the EU Ecolabel Communication on Sustainable Consumption and Production and Sustainable Industrial Policy Action Plan

Source: European Commission. (2010). What is the ecolabel? Retrieved September 2010, from http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/about_ecolabel/what_is_ecolabel_en.htm

Appendix C: Non-food Certification

Eco-certifications are usually applied to products (like timber or fish) but they also can be applied to an entire process; some more certification are on ethical trade, food processing, forestry, fish farming, textiles and health and beauty care products. One of the more demanding eco-certification standard has been developed by the architect William McDonough and the chemist Michael Braungart that they call Cradle to Cradle or C2C. In C2C, a product is designed to be entirely reused and to be produced by an entirely non-toxic production process. Steelcase has designed the Think chair which has received C2C certification due to its high recycled content, easy disassembly for recycling and non-toxic material content.

Complex products with multiple parts may be best certified using a tiered certification system, where individual parts may or may not be better than industry standard environmental practice. The accumulation of certification points by combining greener components in, for instance, a building qualifies the building for a higher certification level. The highly successful LEED standard in the construction industry is an example of a tiered certification system in which notably few buildings achieve the top Platinum standard while a good number of high performance green buildings have reached the lowest level called Certified. In LEED there are 4 certification levels. The EPEAT standard for desktop and notebook computers assigns 3 certification levels.

Appendix D: MSC Third Party Certification

Appendix E: Base of Procedural Items for Eco-certification

In procedural terms, the normative basis for standard development includes the following:

ISO/IEC Guide 59 Code of good practice for standardization. 1994.

WTO TBT, ANNEX 3 Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards.

FAO. 1998. Report of the Technical Consultation on the Feasibility of Developing Non-Discriminatory Technical Guidelines for Eco-Labelling of Products from Marine Capture Fisheries, Rome, Italy, 21-23 October 1998. FAO Fisheries Report No. 594.

ISEAL. P020 Guidance on ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Setting Social and Environmental Standards. Public Draft. July 2003.

ISEAL. Code of Good Practice for Voluntary Process and Production Method Standard-setting Procedures.

ISO Guide 62, General Requirements for bodies operating assessment and certification/registration of quality systems. 1996.

ISO/IEC Guide 65, General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems. 1996.

WTO. Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, Article 5.

Appendix F: IMA Example

This is an example of a very specific, mandatory scheme to reduce ecosystem impact of fishing, and conducted in close co-operation with small-scale stakeholders, is provided by IMA. The use of sodium cyanide, to stun aquarium and larger reef fish destined has caused widespread reef destruction across the Philippines.

Cynide FishingCyanide, one of the most toxic poisons known to science, is used to catch live fish in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific and has indisputably wreaked havoc on the regions coral reef resources. The process is done by crushing cyanide tablets and placing the powder into plastic squirt bottles filled with sea water. Divers then spray the solution on reef areas. This leaves the fish stunned and disoriented making them easier for fishermen to catch. Oftentimes, though, the fish flee into reef crevices, obliging divers to pry and hammer the reefs apart causing inconceivable damage.

The method requires little in the way of investment in fishing gear (or skill) and yet the rewards are high, as the demand (principally from China and Taiwan) is immense. Any attempt to alter the fishing practices of cyanide-fishers clearly demanded an innovative response. The IMA has met this challenge with a two-pronged strategy. On the one hand they have undertaken a Destructive Fishing Reform Programme across the Philippines training fishers to catch target species (principally Serranidae) using simple hook and line gear and decompression techniques that result in a high survival rate.

On the other hand they initiated a scheme, in collaboration with the governments Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), whereby export of live fish and aquarium fish is only possible with a Cyanide Detection Test certificate.

A network of six laboratories, now handed over to BFAR management, is now operational across the country and 25,000 tests have been conducted. The results have been good with positive cyanide tests now dropped to 25%. IMA are currently involved in advising fisheries departments across SE Asia and the Pacific. IMA is also involved in Humphead wrasse conservation and debris sea cleaning..

Appendix G: Walmart Share in Sustainable Fishery Products

31