Sustainability

KEEPING THE FUTURE IN MIND

We are committed to protecting precious marine resources by fishing responsibly. By following the science and working with government as well as respected local and international organisations, we are doing everything we can
to ensure there will be fish for future generations to enjoy.

CERTIFIED SUSTAINABILITY

In 2004, the South African Hake trawl fishery became the world’s first to be certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the leading global certification and eco-labelling programme for sustainable wild caught seafood. I&J played a pivotal role in this achievement and is proud to have been part of the programme from the beginning.

The blue MSC ecolabel on our packs is your assurance that whenever you choose I&J, it comes from a well-managed and sustainable fishery.

For more information visit www.msc.org

PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE FISHING PRACTICES

In 2009, I&J joined the global conservation organization WWF, BirdLife South Africa and other local fishing companies to form the Responsible Fisheries Alliance (RFA). This voluntary initiative is dedicated to promoting and implementing responsible fishing practices in the South African fishing industry. Among the most successful interventions of the RFA it is worth mentioning the introduction of Tori lines, which have reduced seabird mortality caused by trawl fisheries by more than 90%, the improvement of the by-catch management, and the development of skills for fishers.

For more information visit www.rfalliance.org.za

OMP & TAC – A SUSTAINABLY MANAGED FISHERY

The South African Hake trawl fishery was one of the first in the world to implement Operational Management Procedure (OMP) for Hake, which sets Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and determines how it is calculated using scientific methods and data.

RING FENCING INITIATIVE

In 2006, I&J and other members of the South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA) agreed to ‘ring fence’ areas in order to protect the seabed and preserve our natural resources by creating a natural refuge for Hake and other fish species.

RESPONSIBLE BY-CATCH MANAGEMENT - PROTECTING FISH STOCK FOR THE FUTURE

Limiting the amount of Hake and other fish species we catch is vital to responsible management of marine resources. The limits per species are scientifically set by government and scientists.

GEARING FOR PRESERVING NATURAL RESOURCES

Specifications for nets and other equipment used on our trawlers help us protect the seabed and other species that could accidentally be caught. For example, we only use bottom trawl gear with a minimum mesh size of 110 mm which allows small fish to escape. In 2006, I&J was the first fishery to introduce Tori lines, which discourage birds from ‘fishing’ in our trawls while we are hauling them in.

I&J CARES

I&J is committed to supporting and developing the communities in which we operate in order to uplift those in need, particularly vulnerable children, women and families.
We partner with NGOs and small businesses, either directly or through our parent company, AVI.

THE RED CROSS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL TRUST

Since 1997, I&J has donated towards the construction of vital facilities at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. Most recently, we helped fund the upgrade and expansion of the Emergency Centre, which is the only dedicated children’s emergency unit in Southern Africa. Find out more: www.childrenshospitaltrust.org.za

TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM

As a founding member of the Two Oceans Aquarium, I&J helps to feed more than 6 000 animals a month. Via the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation, we also sponsor educational programmes for young learners as well as the Marine Sciences curriculum offered to high school learners who are interested in marine subjects. To read more: https://aquariumfoundation.org.za/

WWF-SASSI

We are proud to have partnered with WWF-SASSI for many years. Recently, we were involved in the funding of a campaign that aims to raise awareness about the importance of eating sustainably-caught seafood and the link between sustainable consumption, responsible fishing, and human and environmental health. For more information: https://wwfsassi.co.za/

THE SERVICE DINING ROOMS

I&J donates fish to The Service Dining Rooms, which has been serving nourishing meals to unemployed and vulnerable groups in Cape Town since 1935. Annually, they provide more than 150 000 meals, while also cooking and providing five registered NPOs in poverty-stricken areas with nutritious meals to assist their communities. To read more: https://www.sdr.org.za/

NSRI

I&J is a long-standing platinum member of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), a charity staffed by volunteers with rescue bases along the coast and inland waters. We’ve donated rescue craft, built a state-of-the-art rescue station in the Cape Town harbour, and supported the NSRI’s School Drowning Prevention and Survival Swimming Programmes. To read more: https://www.nsri.org.za

YES4YOUTH PROGRAMME

YES4YOUTH is a joint initiative between business, labour, and government, that aims to address South Africa’s youth unemployment by providing job opportunities and work experience in work facilities, such as the I&J Factory. Find out more: https://yes4youth.co.za/

WHALE COAST CONSERVATION YOUTH ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME

I&J collaborates with the WCCT to inspire environmental learning and an understanding of one-planet/sustainable lifestyles through sponsorship of environmental education programmes at various schools in the Overberg region. Find out more: http://whalecoastconservation.org.za/

LIFESAVING WESTERN PROVINCE

I&J provides financial support to this non-profit volunteer organisation that oversees all lifesaving activities in the greater Cape Town area in the form of 13 affiliated clubs, eight of which are in previously disadvantaged areas. To learn more: https://www.lifesavingwp.co.za/

SEESTERRETJIES ECD CENTRE

In 2019, I&J, in partnership with the Buffeljagsbaai municipality where our Cape Abalone farm is located, built a new crèche for the community. We continue to provide financial support so that the children of the community can get a good educational start and a solid foundation on which they can develop into our future leaders.

ABRAHAM KRIEL CHILDREN'S HOME

Abraham Kriel Children’s Home provides care and skills development to traumatised children in the greater Johannesburg area. Every month, I&J donates a variety of products to the Children’s Home to ensure that they get healthy, nutritious meals regularly. For more information: https://www.abrahamkriel.org/

THE TRAUMA CENTRE

The Trauma Centre is a human rights organization, established in 1993, with the main objective to make mental healthcare easily accessible in disadvantaged communities especially for those affected by all forms of violence and abuse. I&J has recently funded a refurbished container for the Trauma Centre at the Delft Police Station in Cape Town which serves as a safe haven for those in need of support and counselling within the community. To read more: https://traumacentre.org.za/

SA HARVEST

SA Harvest is an organization that is dedicated to preventing food wastage in our country. I&J continuously support S.A. Harvest with product donations to feed the local communities with nutritional meals. To read more: https://saharvest.org/

HOMESTEAD PROJECTS FOR STREET CHILDREN

The Homestead Projects was the first organisation in South Africa that dedicated itself to helping street children and transitioning them away from street life. I&J supports them with donations of fish, so they can prepare healthy, nutritious meals for the kids. For more information: https://homestead.org.za/

SWISS-SOUTH AFRICAN COOPERATION INITIATIVE

The Swiss-South African Cooperation Initiative is a non-profit, public-private partnership aimed at strengthening the national skills training system in South Africa. Through strategic collaboration with companies such as I&J, they work to create impactful pathways to skilled employment for young South Africans, contributing to the country's socio-economic development and growth. Find out more:https://homestead.org.za/

THOMSON SMILLIE FOUNDATION

The Thomson Smillie Foundation is a registered nonprofit company in South Africa. The Foundation works to empower local South African citizens from disadvantaged backgrounds by giving them access to education, jobs, and basic human rights. The Foundation has partnered with Fish Hoek High School in Cape Town and through this collaboration the funds raised will financially support two children through secondary education at the school. I&J have provided financial contribution to support this cause. To read more: https://tsfoundation.org/

I&J CARES

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