This week, Vanuatu sent a letter to the IOTC stating that it has “recalled the inadvertent error of information that was conveyed” regarding 20 trawlers, flagged to the island nation, alleged of IUU fishing. However, Vanuatu, in its latest notice, did not reveal the reason for rescinding its notice. The letter read that “the Ministry has further the honor to convey its profound appreciation to the commission for its steadfast support to its members, which has been instrumental in promoting the conservation and sustainable utilization of our tuna resources in the Indian Ocean.”

On November 7, Vanuatu sent a letter to IOTC notifying that the Vanuatu-flagged boats have been sailing in the RFMO’s convention area to fish, but have not been legally permitted to do so. Some of the vessels were headed to the Atlantic Ocean, a few had crossed the Malacca Strait and were moving towards the Indian Ocean, and two others were in China’s Shidao Port.

In October, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) named this year’s leading performers in sustainable fishing across the UK seafood sector, awarding Princes the ‘MSC UK Seafood Brand of the Year.’ The recognition reflects the company’s adherence to its sustainability commitments and the progress it has made toward them. In 2022, Princes Group announced its plans to source and sell 100 percent sustainable MSC-certified tuna for its Princes brand by the end of 2025. However, with the deadline approaching, the company has yet to confirm whether all its tuna is now procured exclusively from MSC-certified fisheries.

Atuna reported that UK retailer Tesco was awarded the Gold Award for the ‘UK Supermarket of the Year’ by the Council for its efforts to source, promote, and sell sustainable tuna and other seafood. Lidl and Iceland won the Silver and Bronze Awards, respectively, in the same category.

Earlier this year, ANABAC requested an MSC scope extension to assess yellowfin as an additional target species to its already certified skipjack fishery in the Indian Ocean. The catches recently received the blue tick after it scored above 80 for Principle 1. The CAB, Bureau Veritas, stated in the Public Certification Report that, “the client requested this scope extension in light of recent developments addressing key concerns previously raised about the status and management of Indian Ocean yellowfin.” The Performance Indicators for the other two principles – ecosystem impacts and management system – were not analyzed. In May, Atuna reported about this fishery going for a scope extension.

Last year, IOTC scientists determined that yellowfin in the Indian Ocean was no longer overfished, after which several fisheries announced that they are interested in an MSC assessment for IO yellowfin. However, experts warned that there were data discrepancies in the stock assessment and flag states should keep to their quotas.