Healthy oceans starts with sustainable fishing practices, however, overexploitation, intense fishing and poor management of marine resources continue to place pressure on our blue planet. But there’s hope and it comes in the form of collaboration.
What is a FIP?
Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) are multi-stakeholder initiatives that bring together governments, industry, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations), and other key players with one shared goal: transforming fisheries from unsustainable to sustainable. By working collectively, these projects aim to improve how fisheries are managed and reduce their impact on the marine environment.
For a fishery to be considered sustainable, its target stock must be healthy, bycatch- especially impact on Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) species- must be minimised, and overall ecosystem impacts, including habitats, must be addressed. These improvements must be supported by robust data collection and monitoring, which help track progress and guide better decision-making.
That’s where FIPs shine. They offer a structured, transparent approach to achieving these goals, often using internationally recognised frameworks such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standard. Some FIPs aim for MSC certification, while others (referred to as Basic FIPs) , focus on incremental improvements often recognised by programs like WWF-SASSI (The Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative).
Current FIPs:
WWF South Africa is deeply invested in this approach, currently driving several FIPs:
- The Hake Offshore Trawl
- Harders (Mullet)
- Large Pelagics Longline
- East Coast Rock Lobster
- Rope-Grown Mussels
Each project represents a commitment to long-term sustainability and the power of partnership in driving change.
FIP Success Story
A standout example of what FIPs can achieve is the South African Albacore Tuna Pole & Line fishery. Initially supported through the MSC’s “Fish for Good” project and later through the Ocean Stewardship Fund, this fishery committed to a journey of continuous improvement. Their hard work paid off in 2024, when they:
- Achieved MSC certification
- Became the first tuna fishery in the world to earn certification after participating in the MSC’s In-Transition to MSC Program
- Became only the second South African fishery to be MSC certified (after the hake trawl fishery)
These milestones highlight just how impactful FIPs can be in building a better, more sustainable future for our oceans.
As we celebrate World Ocean Month, let’s remember that sustainable seafood is not only about making green choices at the supermarket or when dining out—it’s also about supporting the people, projects, and partnerships working behind the scenes to protect the sea.
Phillip Tjale, Project Coordinator: Fisheries Improvement