What is WFAS?
WFAS (Wild & Frozen at Sea with Responsible Fishing) is a traceability label for wild-caught fish products that are frozen at sea.
The WFAS standard applies to freezer vessels and freezer factory vessels and defines requirements for the process (preparation, freezing, preservation), as well as traceability controls and best practices.
If you see the WFAS seal on a product, it must be displayed alongside its chain of custody code. This code identifies the certified entity and helps maintain product traceability throughout the chain.
OPPC-3 promotes the WFAS standard and maintains the register of certified entities, with audits carried out by a certification body.
Wild fish
Origin of capture in the wild
WFAS identifies the wild origin of products sourced from certified vessels. The standard applies to vessels fishing with trawls, purse seines, or longlines.
Deep-freezing
The deep-freezing process on board
After capture, the product is sorted, cleaned, and gutted before being transferred to freezing tunnels or cabinets at temperatures typically ranging from −40°C to −30°C.
The rapid freezing process is considered complete when the center of the product reaches −18°C or below. Under normal conditions, deep-freezing can be completed in 2 to 8 hours, depending on the species, volume, and equipment.
Once deep-frozen, the product is stored in the hold at a temperature of approximately −25°C.
Responsible fishing
Commitment to good practices
Choosing WFAS-certified products means committing to a standard that integrates good responsible fishing practices, food quality and hygiene requirements, and good social practices within the certified fleet.
In addition, the chain of custody helps maintain traceability and prevent the mixing or substitution of certified products with non-certified products.