NovaNam fishing company has been bestowed the first FISH Standard for Crew International Certification of Labour by Bureau Veritas for its labour standards onboard deep-sea fishing trawlers operating in the country.
FISH stands for fairness, integrity, safety and health for crew.
NovaNam spokesperson, Anne-Marie Molatudi, in a media statement availed on Wednesday said the certification was awarded after Bureau Veritas conducted an audit by inspecting and evaluating the fleet under demanding standards and interviewing the crews.
“We believe this internationally recognised FISH certification ensures that fishers are treated fairly, ethically, and responsibly. The safety and health of our people along with decent working conditions and fair wages are essential aspects of our culture as a company,” NovaNam Group Managing Director, Edwin Kamatoto said.
He added that with the FISH Standard for Crew certification, it is evident that the company was at the forefront of sustainability in its social aspect, and the FISH certification gives harvesters a way to demonstrate their commitment to fairness and responsibility to their stakeholders.
The FISH Standard for Crew is an accredited global, independent certification programme, which assures that labour practices on vessels in wild capture fisheries using ethical labour practices and provide for the proper treatment of crews.
The NovaNam deep-sea fishing fleet consists of wetfish and freezer trawlers, including the newly built Lalandii 1, NovaNam One and NovaNam Two.
Lalandii 1 Captain, Alrick Anickel said that the audit went well and he was happy that such a system is introduced to monitor how the sea-going team is treated and what working conditions are in place.
“Going to sea is our bread and butter, and we are happy with what NovaNam is giving us onboard. We are well taken care of, and it feels like our second home,” Anickel said.
The company has a crew of about 300 people, including Nelago Kwedhi, Namibia’s first female trawler captain, working at the home port in Lüderitz and Walvis Bay.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency
