December 7, 2021 — The Friend of the Sea (FOS) sustainability-focused certification program is implementing a requirement of 24/7 satellite monitoring of its certified fishing fleets.
The addition of the monitoring program is intended to increase consumer confidence in the sustainability of FOS products and provide stronger protection to associated fish stocks, the group said in a press release. The new Sea Satellite Monitoring Program (SMP) will allow constant monitoring for all 2,000 Friends of the Sea certified fishing vessels to ensure compliance with fishing seasons, authorized fishing areas, transshipment at sea, social accountability, and other certification obligations. The SMP monitoring includes onboard CCTVS, drones, and unannounced “augmented reality” audits.