First MSC Tuna Export Of Fiji Leaves For Europe

Fiji’s first consignment of tuna exports to the European Union for this year leaves Fiji shores tonight.

Sea Quest (Fiji) Limited, a locally ownedcompany is sending its first shipment of twenty-five tons of MSC albacore tuna to Spain.

Company Managing, Director Brett Haywood says, they were accredited through the Health Department with the Marine Stewardship Council Certification.

“It’s been a long time coming… a lot of work has been put in… a lot of investment… it has been a long road… but finally it is coming to fruition and we look forward to the benefits it can offer us from here on.”

In 2007, Fiji Tuna was banned from the EU market because of unhygienic practices, however, through the MSC certification process, strict processes must now be followed.

They include strict adherence to making sure that the fish are stored in the right temperature, keeping the vessel and loading area clean and maintaining staff personal hygiene.