This policy should be read in conjunction with the Kaytrad document on the Laws and Regulations governing the Fishing Industry in South Africa.

Kaytrad Commodities (Pty) Ltd, as both a founding member of SAASIE (South African Association of Seafood Importers and Exporters) and SATA (South African Association); prescribes and adheres to the principles of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), taking into account the management measures applied by the Regional Organisations (RFMO’s) and national and international norms for the conservation of marine life, has established and incorporated into its tuna commercial policy, the following points:-

 Our company is committed to implementing measures to reduce the negative impacts of fishing on their populations.  Our company recognizes the ISSF Skippers’ Guidebook to Sustainable Longline Fishing Practices1 and acknowledges the best practices for mitigating bycatch, handling, and release of sharks and sea turtles. All handling and release will be carried out under the supervision of trained crewmen who have undergone extensive training. 

In order to better protect sharks and sea turtles, our company and vessels supplying us adhere to the following best practices at a minimum: 

1. Does not actively target sharks;

2. Prohibits the practice of shark finning, and encourages the release of endangered species in accordance with national legislation;

3. Use of fish - other than squid for bait – typically sardines;

4. Promotes best practices for bycatch handling and release of sharks, as well as sea turtles – again, in accordance with national legislation.

5. Any sharks landed by vessels as a bycatch should have their fins attached. If sharks are retained on board, the vessel must operate in line with national and international standards, and in line with ISSF policy CM3.1.a.