An ISO 17065 Accredited Certification Body, will conduct the assessment and certification of Alaska fisheries. The Certification Body is responsible for ensuring the competency and consistency of assessment practices.
Assessment Process
The assessment process from application to certification contains seven major steps as highlighted in the chart below. After certification, the fishery enters annual surveillance assessments for continuing certification. Re-certification occurs after a period of five years with annual surveillance audits taking place within this period.
Alaska RFM Initial Certification and Recertification Assessment Stages
Application and Applicant Review Applicant review performed by CB Optional – Development of a validation report produced by CB
Notification to Public/Stakeholders CB puts out notification of the assessment and the assessment team. Stakeholders register with CB.
Assessment Verification/Information Review Site Visits, Assessment Report Performed by CB and its Assessment Team of experts.
External Peer Review Conducted by minimum of two independent experts; these Peer Reviewers are not members of the CB staff or Assessment Team, but are under contract by CB
Draft Assessment Report for Public Comment For initial certifications or recertifications, there will be a 30-day comment period open to registered stakeholders. Comments are submitted to the CB via their website.
Final Assessment Report Final Report for presentation to the Certification Committee. The Report contains all information from previous steps and a recommendation from the Assessment Team for certification.
Certification Decision Conducted by an independent Certification Committee; the Committee members are not members of the Assessment Team or Peer Reviewers. Final report and Certification Decision will be posted on www.alaskaseafood.org
Notification to Public/Stakeholders CB puts out notification of the Surveillance Assessment and Assessment Team.
Assessment Verification/Information Review Site Visits, Assessment Report Performed by CB and its Assessment Team of experts
Final Assessment Report Final Report for presentation to the Certification Manager / Team. The Report contains all information from previous steps and a recommendation from the Assessment Team for continued certification.
Annual Surveillance Audit Certification Decision Conducted by an independent certification Manager/Team who are not members of the Assessment Team or Peer Reviewers. Final Report and Annual Surveillance Audit Certification Decision will be posted on www.alaskaseafood.org
