AB VASSILOPOULOS –WWF: AN ALLIANCE THAT WILL BREATHE NEW LIFE TO THE FISHING INDUSTRY IN GREECE

Fishermen who work together for the present and the future of the seas and their profession, a super market chain that dares to innovate in order to improve sustainability of its suppliers and a program that regards fishing through a different light! All that for the first time in Greece and the Mediterranean, in a joint effort that brings all stakeholders together. Within the context of WWF Hellas’ program for “Responsible Fishing”, the environmental organization and AB Vassilopoulos, in collaboration with fishermen from Kavala, the “Manios” fish trading company and the Fisheries Research Institute (INALE), have launched a Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP) for the first time in Greece and the Mediterranean. Goal of this innovative synergy is to achieve sustainability of Kavala’s fishing boat fleet that fishes anchovies and sardines, according to the MSC environmental standard for sustainable fishing. For the first time in Greece, institutions, the State, fishermen, scientists and businesses are working together to keep the Greek seas alive, actively supporting fishing and offering sustainable choices to consumers. In 2013, the foundations were set for the action plan agreed by all stakeholders. The first positive indications of this collaboration have already started showing. The Kavala Small Pelagics Advisory Committee is already in operation, where, apart from the program’s stakeholders, participants include the General Directorate of Fisheries, the Hellenic Coast Guard, the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, the Operational Fisheries Program, the Kavala Fisheries Department, the fishing port and fish traders of the area. The committee’s role is essential for the participation of stakeholders in the management and improvement of the fleet’s sustainability. This initiative helps fishermen work together with the Ministry, aiming to plan and implement an efficient policy for the fishing of anchovies and sardines in Kavala. The Kavala Small Pelagics Advisory Committee at work Photo: Iasonas Kantas / WWF Hellas More specifically, the committee aims to initiate open and constructive deliberation in order to ensure data collection regarding the condition of sardine and anchovy stocks (stock is the term used to describe the population of a fish species under exploitation), as well as the efficient management of fishing in the region. “We believe that through this initiative we can truly change the way we manage fishing in Greece and the Mediterranean. MSC offers the framework, where through collaboration of all stakeholders, and based on scientific knowledge, we can ensure a safe sea environment, the future income of fishermen as well as sustainable choices for consumers. Once the Kavala fleet is accredited, it will be able to offer sustainable anchovies and sardines to Greek consumers,” Giorgos Paximadis, head of sea programs for WWF Hellas, stated. “At AB Vassilopoulos, our principle is to offer the best to our customers. However, at the same time, it is also important to us to implement programs and activities for the benefit of local communities, in which we operate, as well as for the protection of the environment. This particular initiative is one of these activities, which represent our effort for the protection of Greek seas, as well as the fishermen’s income now and for the future. We will support this effort to the end and we believe we will achieve our goals, not only because we have ensured the participation of the best people, but also because we have jointly designed the action plan, making the most of the scientific knowledge and expertise of the fishing community”, Dionysis Dionysopoulos, Quality Assurance manager at AB Vassilopoulos, stated. For more information: Iasonas Kantas, WWF Hellas press office, phone: 210 33 14 893, mobile: 697 185 9632, i.kantas@wwf.gr Alexia Machera, Communications and CSR Manager, AB Vassilopoulos, phone: 210 6608483, mobile: 6937098321, amachera@ab.gr