Australian Tuna Fishery Can Again Carry MSC Label

The Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery (ETBF), which targets yellowfin, bigeye, and albacore, has been MSC recertified for the third time. Currently, 24 fishing vessels are in the certification and all are members of Tuna Australia, according to organization’s statement. Its CEO, David Ellis, stated that the recertification is a huge win for the Australian tuna fishing industry. He said it reflects the considerable work undertaken by the industry to maintain the management, monitoring, reporting and sustainability standards that underpin the fishery. “With more retailers and consumers turning to sustainable seafood, our members are in a strong position to access and expand markets here in Australia and abroad.”

The ETBF fishery stretches from Cape York in Queensland to the South Australian/Victorian border, with fishing taking place in both the Australian EEZ and adjacent high seas, including waters covered by several Australian Marine Parks, including the 1-million-square-kilometre Coral Sea Marine Park and Lord Howe Marine Park.