About Us
CFL Vessel management
Today CFL
is one of the major fishing companies in the Falklands, contributing strongly
to the Islands economy and has established itself as the only company
in the Falklands owning and operating its own vessels from the Falklands
capital, Stanley.
Getting the catch
on board.
The Company's
two longliners, CFL Pioneer and CFL Valiant, operate year round in the
Falklands fishing zone under licenses granted by FIG. Both have the capacity
to add value on board as and when the market demands. The vessels are
managed by staff within the company who are responsible for the crewing,
provisioning, maintenance, production and marketing operations. The experience
of being involved with CFL has given directors the opportunity to develop
more expertise in vessel management.
Export and Marketing
With a tiny domestic market the success of any Falkland Island Company depends upon its ability to export and market its products to international buyers. CFL has from the outset had as a priority the development of its in-house expertise in this critical area. The overwhelming majority of CFL's product is sold overseas and represents the main sales focus of the Company, although great importance is attached to any potential expansion and development of the domestic market.
Products are marketed under the CFL name to overseas customers. The company is focused on the demand for its product in the international market place and strict attention is paid to the maintenance and development of the Company's reputation in this relatively specialized area of the seafood market. In this CFL has a clear advantage in terms of conservation credentials as all catches are from licensed vessels in a properly managed zone.
Fish on factory
deck ready for HGT process
The level to which products are processed depends on the requirements of the client but generally fillets are produced for the domestic market and HGT products for export. The Company is always watchful for any niches in the market which can be explored and developed by taking the processing operation further.
Sustainability of the Resource
There is a growing concern worldwide regarding the conservation of Toothfish stocks due to the increasing incidence of illegal fishing. CFL is fortunate to operate in what is widely accepted as one of the best managed fisheries in the world. The Falkland Islands Government invests heavily in focused scientific research necessary to support the stock management decisions of the FIG Fisheries Department.
CFL too plays its part in the responsible management of the fishery. The Company has engaged the services of scientists to investigate the Toothfish stocks of the Falklands zone. This work has broadened the understanding of the population, diet, parasitology and recruitment to the fishery of Toothfish. In addition an identification guide to the maturity stages of toothfish was produced which contributed significantly to the standardization of fisheries data in this area. This chart was presented to CCAMLR and other fishery management authorities.
CFL have directed resources towards the virtual elimination of seabird interaction with the Company's vessels. A substantial amount of work has been carried out on the development of bird scaring devices and an effective combination of counter measures has evolved. Currently the Company has employed a seabird observer dedicated wholly to the task of eliminating any potential for bird by-catches.
Ornithologists of international reputation have been employed. One study funded by CFL into the causes and solutions to incidental seabird mortality associated with long lining activities was an international success and the 'Brothers Report' was presented to the 1995 CCAMLR annual conference.
Administration
The Company's administrative function is provided by personnel in CFL House in Stanley, Capital of the Falklands.
Responsibilities include the full range of transactions associated with vessel operation, including repairs and maintenance, stores, spare parts, agency services, crew travel, crew payments and personnel recruitment. The office is also responsible for all sales and marketing.
The fleet operation's section is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation and co-ordination of the Company's vessels and for negotiating charters when required.
The Operation's section also ensures compliance with all Falkland Islands Fisheries laws and regulations.