sustainability
is an art
FISHING
Tuna fishing is practiced differently in each of three oceans. It is the most important fishery for human consumption. This link will lead you to a description of the different tuna species as well as fishing methods, gear and regulations.
market
The tuna market has an estimated annual turnover of US$ 40-55 billion. Most of us know tuna in its tinned format since it is the most consumed form of tuna. In this section you can read more about the market for various tuna products.
sustainability
Tuna catches are increasing year on year. It is very complicated but not impossible to regulate the tuna fisheries. Here we try to explain what is happening in the tuna fishing industry today and what we can do to keep enjoying it in the long term.
During your visit PLEASE keep the following in mind
Tuna is one of the most nutritious seafood in the world.
Tuna is since decades the most fished species for human consumption worldwide.
All the tuna you eat comes from the sea, no farmed tuna (except the very expensive Bluefin tuna), which means medicine- and disease-free natural product.
In general tuna stocks are in good health.
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Tuna is one of the most nutritious seafood in the world.
-
Tuna is since decades the most fished species for human consumption worldwide.
-
All the tuna you eat comes from the sea, no farmed tuna (except the very expensive Bluefin tuna), which means medicine- and disease-free natural product.
-
In general tuna stocks are in good health.
Low carbon footprint compared to products, like meat, chicken, vegetables.
In principle, all methods to catch tuna are acceptable, but certain practices are putting too much pressure on the future of the tuna stocks.
In terms of management of the stocks, there is a lot to improve! The control and enforcement is far from sufficient.
Sustainability is not only work for the fishermen, but also from the buyers!
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Low carbon footprint compared to products, like meat, chicken, vegetables.
-
In principle, all methods to catch tuna are acceptable, but certain practices are putting too much pressure on the future of the tuna stocks.
-
In terms of management of the stocks, there is a lot to improve! The control and enforcement is far from sufficient.
-
Sustainability is not only work for the fishermen, but also from the buyers!
mission
Tuna is one of the most important fish species consumed by people. It is healthy, protein packed, low on fat and easy to prepare. Unfortunately, the stocks are fully exploited, so we must consider how to regulate the fishing effort. Today, it is the managers of the tuna stocks against the fishermen, and on the sideline, the processors of the tuna which adds another level of complexity. Each party defends a different interest. Our mission is to create transparency to align the interests of all stakeholders and to work for continuous sustainable fishing on the tuna stocks.
importance
The total annual catch of tuna amounts to about 7,3 million tons, which is sourced from the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans. A large part is caught by industrial type of vessels, often from fleets from distant countries not at all connected to the fishing area. These distant fleets can follow the migrating tuna which is impossible for local fishermen. Therefore it is vital to regulate tuna catches allowing local populations to consume their tuna from their waters! For the local community, there is NO alternative, they’re often very poor and need this nutritious tuna to balance their food pattern in a positive way.
vision
We have to consider tuna as a vital asset to the world and in turn we need to treat the catch as interest, leaving the capital in the sea. It is essential to leave the juvenile tuna intact as much as we can in the ocean. It can be achieved with simple measures taken by the stakeholders. You can find out more on this in the sustainability section.
A large part of the tuna purse seine fleet is up for renewal, newer vessels are much more efficient and will cause a vast increase in catching tropical tuna. How can we deal with this without it having a detrimental effect on the fishermen?
Tuna purse seiners are all based on a concept which can be quite dangerous for fishermen. With many new tuna purse seiners expected in the next decade it is important to assess and improve onboard safety for the crew and increase the quality of their catch.