responsible and sustainable fishing
A Longstanding Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainable fishing
SAPMER is deeply committed to responsible and sustainable fishing in the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF), standing alongside scientists who :
- Advance knowledge of marine species
- Support the responsible management of resources
- Work to preserve this exceptional natural heritage
Scientific Collaboration : A Key to Sustainability
Collaboration with scientists is an essential for the continuous improvement of SAPMER’s sustainable fishing practices and the implementation of its environmental policies. <br>To support scientific research, SAPMER collects marine biodiversity data onboard its vessels, contributing to improving knowledge about marine species.
Southern fisheries
Southern fisheries
The French National Museum of Natural History
Scientific reference for southern fisheries
Since 1979, the MNHN has been the scientific authority for TAAF fisheries, ensuring the scientific monitoring of the Patagonian toothfish and rock lobster fisheries in Kerguelen, Crozet, Saint-Paul, and Amsterdam.
The MNHN plays a key role in stock assessment and monitoring, providing recommendations to fishery managers, defining annual fishing limits (Total Allowable Catch – TAC), fishing in the TAAF is only permitted within the TAC limits, set by the French Prefecture based on MNHN recommendations.
This balanced and sustainable approach involves shipowners (including SAPMER), MNHN scientists, and the TAAF authorities, ensuring the long-term conservation of fish stocks.
Objectives of the collaboration
- Analyze fish populations and their dynamics
- Set total allowable catches (TACs)
- Organize fishing seasons responsibly
- Develop sustainable fishing practices
On-board monitoring
On every vessel operating in the Patagonian toothfish, rock lobster, and other southern fisheries, a fisheries observer—appointed by the TAAF and trained by the MNHN—is systematically onboard
These certified officials collect scientific data, ensure compliance with fishing regulations, monitor fishing techniques to protect marine resources and report on fishing activities and conditions
Indian Ocean fisheries
Indian Ocean fisheries
Institute of Research for Development (IRD)
Scientific reference for tuna fisheries
The IRD is a renowned international research institute, specializing in scientific development and global environmental challenges. As a public multidisciplinary research institution, it aims to promote research for the benefit of society and guide public policy decisions
SAPMER and IRD have been collaborating since the start of SAPMER’s tropical tuna fishery, exchanging catch data to support scientific research and stock assessments.
This partnership produces reliable reference data, which is then shared with tuna fisheries management authorities, such as the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).
Objectives of the collaboration
- Assess marine biodiversity in the Indian Ocean
- Understand and model marine ecosystems
- Evaluate the causes of marine biodiversity loss
- Develop conservation tools and anticipate emerging risks
- Promote sustainable fishing
On-board monitoring
The IRD also supports the onboard observer program on our vessels, which aims to gather comprehensive and reliable data on tuna fishing activities and catches, ensuring the creation of a high-quality database.
This data collection contributes to scientific knowledge on marine resources and subsequently guides fisheries management decisions
Operation at the heart of the TAAF marine nature reserve
A responsible collaboration
The French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF), including Saint-Paul, Amsterdam, parts of Crozet, and the Kerguelen territories, were designated as a Marine Nature Reserve in 2006.
SAPMER operates at the heart of this protected area, maintaining a strong partnership with reserve officials to ensure the coexistence of responsible fishing with environmental conservation.
A shared goal
Together with the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) and the Marine Reserve, SAPMER participates in fisheries research campaigns aboard the vessel Austral.
The most recent campaign in 2013 helped improve mapping of the seafloor and assess the impact of fishing activities on the marine environment. SAPMER is therefore fully engaged in protecting the marine ecosystem.
Resource management in the Indian Ocean
Shipowners (including SAPMER) join IOTC in research programs aimed at better understanding tuna populations, their migration patterns and the impact of fishing. The data collected by the observer on board our tuna ships is sent to IOTC scientists.
Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC)
A Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO)
The IOTC is an FAO (United Nations) agency responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean and adjacent waters. Its jurisdiction covers FAO Statistical Areas 51 & 57.
SAPMER, along with other shipowners, works closely with the IOTC to improve stock assessments and define sustainable fishing practices.
The data collected by SAPMER’s onboard observers is shared with IOTC scientists to support global tuna stock management efforts.
Its mission
- Ensure the conservation and optimum use of tuna stocks in its area of competence.
- Conduct continuous scientific monitoring of stock status and trends
- Collect, analyze and share scientific data
- A Vote on regulatory measures and technical fishing guidelines to protect the resource.
