FCF is pleased to announce that our Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) project is entering into its “Full Assessment” stage starting May 9, 2017. This phase includes issuing the MSC Fishery Certificate for organizations meeting tough but important new requirements.
Today we are proud to highlight Western Pacific Sustainable Tuna Alliance (WPSTA) Western and Central Pacific’s fishery, which is focused on two target species of tuna — skipjack and yellowfin. Their purse seine vessels, operating in Western Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO), utilize a method known as free school fishing. Free school fishing is considerably more sustainable than traditional fishing practices, resulting in less bycatch and thereby substantially reducing the impact on endangered species.
To reach our fishery sustainability goals, FCF launched the MSC project in partnership with a number of vessel owners who are particularly conscious of sustainability issues. Together, we established WPSTA to make joint efforts to improve fishery sustainability and protect marine resources. WPSTA’s fleet comprises the flag states of China, Taiwan and the US. In addition, respective authorities have been supportive of the MSC project to ensure proper management systems are in place for it to run effectively. We are grateful for these contributions!
FCF believes that efforts to improve sustainability within the seafood industry is, essentially, an investment in the future of the industry itself. The MSC project shows the dedication of FCF in preserving long-lasting marine resources for generations to come.
For further information on WPSTA fishery, please visit the MSC website here.
