Mauritania Hosts Training Session on Sustainable Fishing Standards

A five-day training session on the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) sustainable fishing standards has begun in Nouakchott, Mauritania. The session, organized by the Mauritanian Fish Marketing Company (SMCP) in collaboration with the MSC, brings together representatives from national institutions, technical and professional partners in the sector. The training aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to implement MSC standards.

In his opening speech, Mohamed El Mami Ahmed Zerouq Bouhabini, Director of Management Control at SMCP, emphasized that the workshop is part of a national effort to enhance the value of marine products. He noted that pursuing MSC certification and meeting the requirements of the Chain of Custody (CoC) is a strategic choice to boost the credibility and competitiveness of Mauritanian products.

The training session will feature presentations and intensive training by international and national experts on the mechanisms for implementing MSC standards. Amanda LeFevre, MSC representative, expressed her gratitude to SMCP for organizing the event. She highlighted the significant role of octopus in Mauritania's economy, accounting for 10.8% of fish exports but generating over 53% of their total value.

LeFevre also warned about the challenges facing the region, including overfishing and unsustainable practices. She noted that illegal, unreported, and unregulated (INN) fishing poses a significant threat, accounting for around 18% of total catches in the region. The MSC certification is crucial in addressing these issues and promoting sustainable fishing practices.

Benbl Ahmed Benbl, Director of Studies and Product Promotion, and coordinator of the Octopus Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP) at SMCP, emphasized the importance of meeting MSC standards for marine products. He reported that 700 fishing units have joined the process of meeting these standards so far.

The workshop was attended by several high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Fisheries, Maritime Infrastructure, and Port Infrastructure. The participants will receive training on the application of MSC standards, which is expected to enhance the sustainability of Mauritania's fishing industry.

The training session is part of a broader effort to improve the sustainability of Mauritania's fisheries sector. The MSC certification is recognized globally as a benchmark for sustainable fishing practices. By adopting these standards, Mauritania aims to promote eco-labeling and sustainable fishing, ultimately contributing to the conservation of marine resources.

Key points

• The training session aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to implement MSC sustainable fishing standards.
• The MSC certification is crucial in addressing overfishing and unsustainable practices in the region.
• The session is part of a broader effort to improve the sustainability of Mauritania's fisheries sector.