Expansive Markets Adhere to the Tuna Transparency Commitment
The global tuna industry is taking significant strides towards sustainability, with key players committing to a new transparency initiative. The Tuna Transparency Pledge, launched in April 2024, is gaining traction and attracting major retailers, suppliers, food service companies, and key global tuna industry actors.
Industrial fishing covers more than half of the world's ocean surface, making it a major challenge to sustainably manage global tuna fisheries and protect ocean wildlife. However, the Tuna Transparency Pledge aims to address this issue by fostering greater vessel monitoring and data transparency.
New signatories of the pledge include Carrefour, Aramark, Culimer USA, Lusamerica Foods, Pacific Island Tuna, and the Association of Large Freezer Tuna Vessels (AGAC). Pacific Island Tuna aims to eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and reduce bycatch of at-risk species through the Tuna Transparency Pledge. Lusamerica Foods has joined the pledge to increase transparency on industrial tuna vessels.
The Association of Large Freezer Tuna Vessels (AGAC) supports the Tuna Transparency Pledge to prevent unreported catch and improve observer coverage. Aramark is the first food service company to adopt the pledge, while Carrefour has joined to lead global actions in tuna preservation.
The Tuna Transparency Pledge aspires to achieve 100% on-the-water monitoring of all industrial tuna fishing vessels by 2027. Electronic monitoring and human observers can strengthen transparency and provide critical data needed for the sustainable management of tuna and other ocean species.
The pledge plays a critical role in advancing sustainability efforts in the tuna industry. It complements broader seafood industry commitments, such as those documented by the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), which reports high compliance rates among participating companies and vessels with conservation measures. The ISSF highlights transparency, including public reporting and third-party audits, as essential tools for accountability and driving improvements in sustainable tuna fishing practices.
Three billion people worldwide rely on seafood as a significant source of protein. Tuna ranks as one of the most prized and popular fish in the world, with a dockside value of $10 billion USD annually. Initiatives like the Tuna Transparency Pledge, which aim to advance traceability, responsible sourcing, and equitable practices, are crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of this vital food source.
Those interested in building a positive industry change through the Tuna Transparency Pledge should email [email protected]. The Tuna Transparency Pledge is a global initiative led by Our website to achieve 100% on-the-water monitoring by 2027. Culimer USA supports initiatives like the Tuna Transparency Pledge to advance traceability, responsible sourcing, and equitable practices.
In summary, the Tuna Transparency Pledge is actively impacting global efforts to address IUU fishing by fostering greater vessel monitoring and data transparency. This, in turn, supports verification of sustainability commitments, promotes responsible sourcing, and helps reduce unsustainable tuna fishing worldwide.
Scientists are closely monitoring the progress of the Tuna Transparency Pledge, as it represents an environmental-science approach to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and promote sustainable tuna fishing practices. To keep up with the latest sports news about the pledge, interested individuals can visit the Tuna Transparency Pledge website for updates and resources.
