How Does Getting Certified Work?
There are several steps that need to be taken in order to get a fishery certified. G.U.L.F. is not a certification body, so in order for a fishery to be certified to the G.U.L.F. RFM Certification, an ISO 17065 Accredited Certification Body (CB) will conduct the assessment and certification. The CB is responsible for ensuring the consistency of assessment practices.
Current certification bodies approved to carry out assessments for the G.U.L.F. RFM certification:
• Global Trust Certification (current accreditation certificate)
Assessment Process
Once a fishery decides to get certified and a CB has been selected, there are seven steps in the assessment process from application to certification. Certain steps of the process are confidential until the final certification decision, but the notifications of certification, the site visit, and the final report are public and will be publicized on AudubonGULF.org.
After Certification
After certification, the fishery enters annual surveillance assessments for continuing certification. The purpose of these audits is to review any changes in the management of the fishery, and ensure no conditions in the fishery have changed in regards to the Certification Standard. Re-certification occurs after a period of five years with annual surveillance audits taking place within this period.
Making a Certification Claim
For Inquiries
For all inquiries regarding the G.U.L.F. RFM Certification Program, please contact John Fallon at jfallon@auduboninstitute.org.