Green trends in the tuna industry

The tuna industry, a sector long criticized for overfishing and environmental damage, is now showing its best side. With improved fishing techniques and stricter traceability, the sector is heading towards a more sustainable future.

Tuna fishing has soared in recent decades. According to recent data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, skipjack tuna catches reached an impressive 2.8 million tonnes in 2020. Despite this growth, reports indicate that the fishery is becoming increasingly sustainable: a notable 86% of this catch came from healthy stocks. This success is largely due to international cooperation and improved agreements on fishing quotas.

Challenges in tuna stock management

Despite progress, managing tuna stocks remains a complex issue. Tuna is a migratory species and the responsibility for these stocks lies with multiple countries, making negotiations over fishery management challenging. The majority of skipjack tuna swim in the waters of the Central Pacific Ocean, where as many as 26 countries must come together to find sustainable solutions.

Innovations in tuna fishing

In addition to improvements in management, significant strides have been made in fishing methods. Traditional techniques such as the use of fish aggregating devices (FADs) have long been criticized for bycatch and environmental damage. In response, researchers are now developing biodegradable FADs and systems for better tracking and data collection. These innovations not only help reduce bycatch but also contribute to an increased presence of MSC-certified tuna in our supermarkets.

The trend towards sustainability is further reinforced by the growing demand for MSC-certified tuna. The latest figures show that sales have increased globally by nearly 10%, with particularly strong growth in the Netherlands and Belgium. Here in the Netherlands, the market share of MSC-certified tuna has even risen to 80%.

So, the next time you open a can of tuna, take a moment to consider the long journey this fish has made—not just across the seas, but also through the fishing industry, on its way to a more sustainable world.

Msc.org