Our recent work
Over recent years, Naunet has worked in a range of projects in more than 20 different countries. Find information about some of the projects in which we have participated in the list below.
Environmental Compensation Project linked to an Offshore Development in the UK
Naunet is collaborating with Fishtek Marine on a project aimed at improving understanding of seabird bycatch across a range of European fishing fleets. The project involves collecting data on the frequency and nature of seabird interactions in different fisheries and countries in order to assess their impacts and identify priority areas for mitigation.
A key component of the project is the identification and recruitment of fishing vessels interested in participating in trials of bycatch mitigation measures designed to reduce interactions between fisheries and seabirds, with a particular focus on the Northern Gannet.
Within the project, Naunet is responsible for work with small-scale fisheries, specifically the polyvalent fleet operating in Portugal and the Gulf of Cádiz (Spain). This includes stakeholder engagement, data collection, and support for the implementation and evaluation of mitigation measures under real fishing conditions.
Preparation of an Action Plan for the improvement of the Semi-industrial tuna fishery in Seychelles
This project, funded by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), aimed to develop an Action Plan under the MSC standard to improve the semi-industrial tuna fishery in Seychelles.
Initially, consultants from Naunet conducted a GAP analysis to identify weaknesses in the fishery. In collaboration with local stakeholders—including the fishing industry and management authorities such as the Seychelles Fishing Authority—an Action Plan was developed. This plan was designed to strengthen the fishery across the three MSC Principles and address the identified weaknesses in the short and medium term, preparing the fishery for the MSC certification process.
Case Study: Sri Lanka – Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning of a Net Recycling Initiative
In this project, José Peiró, Manager at Naunet Fisheries Consultants, served as a Marine Expert on the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team, under the supervision of NIRAS, for the evaluation of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)’s Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) under the UK government’s Blue Planet Fund. His role focused on developing methodologies to assess and link the impacts of marine pollution and plastic management initiatives to poverty alleviation outcomes in Sri Lanka.
To achieve this, José contributed to data collection and analysis for a case study evaluating poverty alleviation impacts among fishermen, collectors, and recycling staff involved in a project that recycled end-of-life fishing gear in Sri Lanka.
Photo credit: Surangi Gunayangoda
Impact of small pelagic fish utilization in bluefin tuna farming (Mediterranean Sea)
For years, bluefin tuna stocks in the Mediterranean suffered from severe overfishing. In recent years, however, the situation has improved significantly, thanks to a series of strict management measures implemented in line with ICCAT recommendations. Despite this recovery, the rapid growth of bluefin tuna fattening operations has sparked increasing concern—particularly over the potential impact on small pelagic species used as feed in these operations.
This study, commissioned by WWF Mediterranean, seeks to quantify the use of small pelagic fish in bluefin tuna farming, assess the resulting pressure on wild fish populations, explore the wider ecological implications, and offer practical recommendations for more sustainable farming practices.
With this objective in mind, Naunet Fisheries Consultants is currently gathering data from both scientific literature and expert interviews to better understand bluefin tuna farming operations—their key impacts, existing vulnerabilities, and possible pathways toward more sustainable solutions.
Evaluation of the impacts of the goat whelk fishery in Boa Vista (Cabo Verde)
In this project, conducted by José Peiró Crespo for the Fundação Tartaruga, in collaboration with Cabo Verde Natura 2000, and BIO CV, we assess the impact of a local fishery employing diver fishermen on the goat whelk (Persististrombus latus) in the island of Boa Vista. Under the BIOPAMA project, those NGOs conducted a data collection excercise on the fishery during a limited period of time. Our role focused on interpreting that data, organizing workshops with local authorities and fishermen to present the findings, and gathering input. Based on these discussions, recommendations for potential activities and management measures to mitigate the fishery's impact on the resource and its surrounding environment were developed.
Although overfishing on the reource has been suggested for a number of years, more data is necessary in order to conduct a data-limited stock assessment on the resource. However, it is being time to implement management measures aimed at reducing (or at least controlling) the current fishing effort on the goat whelk. That is a very important resource consumed locally which is as a source of employement for a number of families in the country.
Design of an exploratory fishing plan for deep-sea demersal resources in Cabo Verde, beyond the 100 m bathymetry
This project, funded by the World Bank, was undertaken by Naunet Fisheries Consultants on behalf of the Ministry of Finance of Cabo Verde. The primary objective was to identify and evaluate opportunities for the sustainable development of new deepwater fisheries that could diversify the national fisheries sector while reducing fishing pressure on coastal resources currently exploited by small-scale fisheries.
To support this objective, a comprehensive assessment was conducted covering the social, environmental, technological, economic, and operational risks associated with the development of new fisheries in Cabo Verdean waters. The study examined the biological potential of deepwater resources alongside the technical and economic feasibility of different fishing methods, with a particular focus on fishing gears considered environmentally responsible and compatible with sustainable fisheries management.
Based on the findings, the project identified several promising opportunities involving the exploitation of deepwater fish and crustacean resources using traps and demersal longlines. These fisheries were considered to have potential for commercial development while maintaining relatively low environmental impacts compared with more intensive fishing methods.
In addition to the resource and feasibility assessments, the project developed a detailed three-year implementation roadmap outlining the steps required to establish and test the proposed fisheries. This included operational planning, investment requirements, institutional arrangements, capacity-building needs, monitoring and research activities, and detailed cost estimates. The resulting plan provided the Government of Cabo Verde with a strategic framework to guide the exploration, development, and sustainable management of potential new deepwater fisheries.
Enhancing knowledge and institutional capacity for a climate-resilient blue economy in Morocco
In this World Bank–funded project, managed by ICSEM, José Peiró, Manager at Naunet Fisheries Consultants, contributed as an expert to the development of an integrated index for Blue Economy growth in Morocco. The project involved assessing the current GDP contribution of the Blue Economy and conducting diagnostics to establish pilot coastal clusters in two regions: Tangier (Mediterranean) and Agadir (Atlantic).
The team was composed of a diverse group of specialists, including economists and tourism experts. José’s role specifically focused on providing expertise in fisheries, aquaculture, and offshore energy, supporting the development of actionable strategies for sustainable Blue Economy development.
Market opportunities for seafood products of the Mahé Plateau trap and line fishery in Seychelles
José Peiró Crespo worked on the project “Preparation of an Options Paper on Marketing Opportunities for Finfish Products of the Mahé Plateau Trap and Line Fishery of Seychelles”, implemented under the World Bank-funded Southwest Indian Ocean Shared Growth and Fisheries Governance Project (SWIOFish3) for the Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA).
The objective of the assignment was to assess market opportunities for finfish products from the Mahé Plateau trap and line fishery and to identify how the Implementation Committee of the Co-management Plan (ICCP) could promote market-based incentives to support a transition towards more sustainable fisheries management.
As part of this work, José conducted a comprehensive analysis of value-added opportunities for fishery products, including the potential benefits of product differentiation through labeling, branding, and sustainability claims. The study evaluated the feasibility of adopting both formal sustainability certification schemes and alternative locally driven approaches to enhance market recognition and reward sustainable fishing practices.
His responsibilities included assessing the potential economic benefits of labeling and branding initiatives, exploring options for the development of locally defined sustainability criteria and market frameworks, and evaluating the feasibility of assessing the Mahé Plateau trap and line fishery against internationally recognised sustainable fisheries certification standards. The study also examined pathways for improving market access, increasing product value, and strengthening incentives for fishers to engage in co-management and sustainable resource use.
Review of the ecological and economic impacts of MPAs on demersal species and fisheries
A comprehensive review of the positive and negative impacts of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) was conducted to assess their effectiveness as fisheries management tools and to provide recommendations for fisheries managers in the North Sea and Baltic Sea regions. The study was carried out for WWF-Germany and examined evidence from a range of MPAs implemented across European waters.
The review evaluated both ecological and fisheries-related outcomes, including changes in biomass, species diversity, habitat condition, catch per unit effort (CPUE), fisheries productivity, and patterns of fishing effort displacement. Particular attention was given to understanding whether MPAs deliver benefits beyond their boundaries through spillover effects and enhanced fishery performance in adjacent areas.
The analysis found strong evidence that well-designed and effectively enforced MPAs can generate positive biological outcomes, including increases in biomass, abundance of target species, and overall biodiversity within protected areas. However, the extent to which these ecological improvements translate into measurable benefits for surrounding fisheries remains less clear. While some studies reported increased catches and evidence of spillover into adjacent fishing grounds, results were highly variable across locations and species. In several cases, fishing effort was observed to concentrate around MPA boundaries or shift to alternative fishing grounds, potentially reducing or delaying broader fishery benefits and creating new management challenges.
The study highlighted the importance of considering both ecological and socioeconomic dimensions when evaluating MPA performance, emphasising that biological recovery alone does not necessarily guarantee improved outcomes for fishing communities. The findings contributed to ongoing discussions regarding the role of MPAs within broader ecosystem-based fisheries management frameworks and the conditions under which they can effectively support both conservation and fisheries objectives.
Note: The photo shows a MPA recently implemented in the Mediterranean Spanish coast (Source: https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2023/12/30/pdfs/BOE-A-2023-26741.pdf).
King penguin colony in the Falkland Islands (José Peiró Crespo)
Marine Stewardship Council assessments for sustainable fisheries
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is the world's leading certification programme for sustainable fisheries, recognising and rewarding fisheries that demonstrate environmentally responsible and well-managed fishing practices. Through its certification and ecolabelling programme, fisheries are independently assessed against the MSC Fisheries Standard by accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs).
To achieve certification, fisheries must demonstrate compliance with the three core principles of the MSC Standard:
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Principle 1: Sustainable Fish Stocks – ensuring that fishing activity is conducted at levels that maintain healthy and productive fish populations.
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Principle 2: Minimising Environmental Impacts – ensuring that fishing operations maintain the structure, productivity, function, and diversity of marine ecosystems.
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Principle 3: Effective Fisheries Management – ensuring that robust management systems are in place to support sustainable fishing practices and compliance with relevant regulations.
In recent years, José has contributed to numerous MSC assessments and reassessments as a Principle 2 (Ecosystem Impacts) and Principle 3 (Fisheries Management) expert. His work has covered fisheries operating in Iceland, the Falkland Islands, Nicaragua, the Faroe Islands, South Africa, and other regions.
Through these assignments, he has assessed a wide range of fisheries, including squid jig fisheries, demersal hake longline fisheries, spiny lobster trap fisheries, and other commercial fisheries targeting both pelagic and demersal species. His responsibilities have included evaluating ecosystem impacts, bycatch management, habitat interactions, governance arrangements, monitoring systems, and the effectiveness of fisheries management frameworks against internationally recognised sustainability standards.
Study on the benefits of government transparency in fisheries
The project, funded by the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) and funded by the main objective was to conduct a study to analyse market and non-market-based benefits to incentivise governments to proactively publish information on marine fisheries management.
For this project, the consultants of Naunet Jose Peiro Crespo and Carlos Pombo Sonderblohm conducted a review of the standards of the two main eco-certification programs (the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Friends of the Sea (FoS)) and the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) to identify similarities between the standards They also reviewed several recent certification reports in order to understand how the information published by the governments enrolled in the FiTI program are being used by the certification experts to justify scores given in the certification assessment reports. Based on the findings of those reviews, a number of recommendations for improvement were given.
Preparation of a roadmap for the development of the Blue economy in Tunisia
The project, funded by the World Bank and implemented both by Hidria (Ciencia, Ambiente y Desarrollo) and the ICSEM (Instituto para el Crecimiento Sostenible de la Empresa) aims at preparing a preparation of a roadmap for the development of the Blue economy in Tunisia.
Jose Peiro Crespo has been appointed as an blue economy expert (fisheries and aquaculture) to explore the possibilities for the further development of the commercial fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the country.
Independent validation of the FiTI in the Seychelles- The World Bank
The Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) is a global multi-stakeholder initiative that strengthens transparency and collaboration in fisheries management. The FiTI Standard is organised into 12 transparency requirements, and it is the only internationally recognised framework that defines what information on fisheries management should be published online by national authorities. The reputation of the FiTI as an initiative promoting good governance, in particular transparency, participation and accountability, is one of the initiative’s greatest assets and robust and objective assurance procedures play an important role in creating and maintaining FiTI’s reputation.
Jose Peiro Crespo was appointed as an independent validator to conduct an assessment of the FiTI in Seychelles. His role was to assess the implementation of the individual requirements of the standard through a desk-review of relevant documents and interviewing stakeholders in the country, providing a recommendation for the overall compliance designation and making suggestions to further strengthen the initiative in the country.
Study to Support the Development of a Program to Gradually Convert the Surplus of Small-Scale Artisanal Fishing Fleet to Semi-Industrial Fishing Vessels in Cabo Verde - The World Bank (project managed by MEP)
José Peiro Crespo was appointed by McAlister Elliott & Partners, managers of the project, as an international fisheries management expert to collaborate in an international team aimed at supporting the development of a program to conver the surplus of the small-scale artisanal fleet in Cape Verde to semi-industrial fishing vessels. His tasks consisted of carrying out a Value Chain Analysis (VCA) of both the small-scale and industrial supply chains in the country and collecting stock assessment data to assess the main fishing resources in the archipelago. A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) was conducted for the new fleet.
Pre-assessments, FIP Action Plans and other fisheries and aquaculture projects in Latin America
In the past years, Naunet Fisheries Consultants has been developing a number of projects in Latin America, including working with purse-seine tuna fisheries in Peru and Ecuador, squid fisheries in Argentina and Chile or small pelagic fisheries in Peru and Chile, among others. These experiences have helped us to build a strong knowledge about the artisanal and industrial fisheries in the area, the various fisheries evaluation and management systems and the socio-political implications of these activities in each country.
Several of the pre-assessments conducted for fisheries in the area have been used to prepare FIP actions plans which are now being implemented in order to improve the sustainability of those fisheries.
Audit of the SIOTI fleet FIP in the Indian Ocean
Naunet Fisheries Consultants was commissioned by the Sustainable Indian Ocean Tuna Initiative (SIOTI) to audit its Fishery Improvement Project for the FisheryProgress website. That FIP was jointly established by key governments, major tuna processors and producer organizations, with the support of WWF in the Indian Ocean. The ultimate aim of the FIP is to meet the highest standards of sustainable fishing, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard, for the industrial purse seine fishery which targets three tuna species: skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the Indian Ocean. The aim of this audit was to evaluate the objectives and goals reached by this FIP in the past three years.
Pre-assessments of two squid fisheries under the MSC standard
Naunet Fisheries Consultants was commissioned by the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership to undertake the pre-assessment of the artisanal giant squid jig (Dosidicus gigas) fishery in Chile and an Argentine shorfin squid (Illex argentinus) jig fishery in South Atlantic waters (confidential).
Our consultants carried out a review of the stock status of both species, the impact of these fisheries on bycatch, endangered and protected species, ecosystem and habitats; and the management system to score these fisheries under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard.
Although jigs are environmentally friendly gears which have a relatively low impact on species, ecosystem and habitats, a number of issues were identified in both fisheries which need to be addressed by both scientific bodies and government agencies. These problems will be addressed through respective Fishery Improvement Project (FIP).
Developing management advice for yellowfin tuna in the Indian Ocean
Naunet Fisheries Consultants carried out a review of the yellowfin tuna (YFT) fishery in the Indian Ocean (IO) to develop management advice for rebuilding the stock in two generations. This study was commissioned by the Global Tuna Alliance, an independent group of retailers and supply-chain companies (including supermarkets such as TESCO, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, ASDA or Morrisons) working to ensure that tuna ultimately meets the highest standards of environmental performance and social responsibility. Our consultants reviewed the information provided by several reports presented during recent IOTC meetings and concluded that a 25% cut in catch is needed to rebuild the YFT stock. These findings were used by several GTA's members, including TESCO, the Co-op or Princes to cut the sourcing of that species from the IO and put pressure on the IOTC commission in order to approve a management plan for rebuilding the stock. The report was presented in the 24th Session of the Indian Ocean Commission, held by video-conference from 2th to 6th November 2020. A special sessions of the Commission is expected in March 2021 to discuss rebuilding of the overfished stock.
International market assessment for sustainable sourced seafood
Naunet Fisheries Consultants was contracted by the Market Development Facility (MDF) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) to undertake the project “International Market Assessment for Sustainably Sourced Seafood.” The objective of the assignment was to identify market opportunities for Sri Lankan seafood products within premium and niche market segments, particularly those driven by sustainability, social responsibility, traceability, and equitable sourcing requirements.
The project focused on the country's blue swimming crab and tuna sectors and involved a comprehensive situation analysis and sector review aimed at identifying pathways to improve competitiveness and access to high-value international markets. The assessment examined market trends, buyer requirements, certification and sustainability expectations, value chain structures, and opportunities for product differentiation through sustainability and responsible sourcing claims.
A key objective of the study was to support the transition of the Sri Lankan blue swimming crab and tuna industries towards premium seafood markets that reward sustainable and socially responsible fishing practices. By strengthening market positioning and improving access to value-added market segments, the project sought to enhance revenues, increase returns on investment throughout the value chain, and create stronger economic incentives for the sustainable management of marine resources.
In addition to its market development objectives, the study served as a baseline assessment for the Sri Lanka Export Development Board's efforts to develop a national seafood brand, “Ceylon Seafood,” aimed at promoting the country's seafood products in international markets. The findings provided strategic recommendations on branding, market positioning, sustainability credentials, and export development opportunities to support the long-term growth and competitiveness of Sri Lanka's seafood secto
Quality losses in small-scale fisheries in Indonesia and Madagascar
Naunet Fisheries Consultants was commissioned by Blue Ventures, an internationally recognised marine conservation organisation, to assess post-harvest quality losses across five small-scale fisheries in the Indo-Pacific region. The overarching objective of the project was to identify practical interventions capable of reducing quality losses during the early stages of the seafood supply chain, thereby increasing product value, improving market performance, and ultimately enhancing the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.
The study involved a detailed value chain analysis for each fishery, examining the flow of products from harvest through to final markets. Particular attention was given to identifying critical points where quality deterioration, product losses, or inefficiencies occurred, and quantifying their implications for fishers, traders, and other value chain actors.
Building on this analysis, we developed a matrix of potential interventions designed to improve product handling, storage, processing, transportation, and marketing practices. Each intervention was evaluated not only in terms of its potential to reduce post-harvest losses and increase economic returns, but also with regard to its social feasibility, operational requirements, and potential environmental implications. The resulting recommendations provided a roadmap for strengthening value chain efficiency, increasing the value retained by local communities, and supporting the long-term sustainability of the fisheries concerned.
Successful cases of co-managed fisheries in Northwest Africa
Naunet Fisheries Consultants was commissioned by WWF to undertake a study on co-managed fisheries in Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, and The Gambia. The project aimed to explore the relationship between seafood purchasing decisions in European markets and their potential impacts on the livelihoods, economic resilience, and sustainability of fisheries-dependent coastal communities in developing countries.
The study included a review of co-management initiatives across the four countries, assessing their governance structures, stakeholder participation mechanisms, and socioeconomic outcomes. Particular attention was given to understanding how market incentives, supply chain dynamics, and buyer requirements can influence fisheries management practices and local community well-being.
Following the regional assessment, two fisheries in Senegal were selected for detailed case studies. These in-depth analyses examined the effectiveness of existing co-management arrangements, the distribution of benefits and challenges among stakeholders, and the interactions between market demand and local fisheries governance. The study identified key lessons learned from these experiences and developed practical recommendations to strengthen future co-management initiatives, both in West Africa and in other fisheries contexts worldwide. Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing stakeholder participation, improving market incentives for sustainable practices, and ensuring that fisheries management contributes to both resource sustainability and equitable socioeconomic development.