“Being able to trace a product back to its source benefits the environment, industry and consumers,” ISSF president Susan Jackson said. “Traceability is critical to conservation since poaching tuna creates a gap in information which negatively impacts meaningful, science-based management measures.”Participating processors will be required to keep detailed records documenting the name and flag of catcher and transshipping vessels, fish species, ocean of capture corresponding to tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) area, fishing trip dates, fishing gear employed, date the company took ownership of the fish and each species by weight. Miguel Jorge, Director of WWF’s Marine Program and ISSF Board member had this to say about the new resolution:
The ISSF Board of Directors voted to require processors to keep detailed records documenting the name and flag of catcher and transshipping vessels, fish species, ocean of capture corresponding to tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) area, fishing trip dates, fishing gear employed, date the company took ownership of the fish and each species by weight.
“One of the most powerful tools against illegal or pirate fishing is the adoption of catch documentation schemes to provide traceability for seafood,” said Miguel Jorge, Director of WWF’s Marine Program and ISSF Board member. “We're particularly pleased that ISSF participants have adopted a comprehensive program tracing tuna from capture to plate.” Source: ISSF
Participants have also committed to the withdrawal of any product from shelves if it is found to be in violation of the new mandate. The ISSF's founding members include Bolton Alimentari; Bumble Bee Foods, LLC / Clover Leaf Seafoods; MW Brands; Princes Ltd.; Sea Value Co., Ltd.; StarKist Co.; Thai Union Manufacturing Co. Ltd / Chicken of the Sea Intl.; TriMarine International; and WWF. This is a step in the right direction.
Photo credit: Arts Journal/Greenpeace
