An audit in December by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) has found irregularities in the weighing systems of two fish processing plants, resulting in the temporary suspension of production.

In its report, Sernapesca confirmed that two establishments \"do not meet the minimum conditions to ensure and guarantee the proper functioning\" of their weighing systems.

The audit is part of the National Programme of Comprehensive Control undertaken by Sernapesca to detect irregularities and violations in the fishing activity, in order to reduce underreporting and non-accreditation of landings, two practices that threaten the sustainability of fisheries and the conservation of resources.

Among the irregularities found in the audit, were inconsistencies in actual and recorded landing information and cargoes without the correct papaerwork.

The audit report requested companies to perfect the technical design and operation of electronic weighing systems, \"With the dual purpose of ensuring the validity of landing data and achieving greater deterrent effects against future potential unfulfillment\".

Bahia Coronel, one of the companies suspended, had already been denounced in September for processing 7,500 tonnes of fishmeal from landings without legal source accreditation. This finding was the largest seizure in Sernapesca’s history.

The other company currently affected is Lota Protein.

The two companies concerned may request the lifting of this temporary measure once Sernapesca verifies that any system faults have been corrected.

Source FIS.com. Read the full article here.