Independent Adjudicator’s Decision on

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Re-Certification of the PNA Tuna Purse Seine Fishery

PNA welcome the decision of the MSC Independent Adjudicator, in respect of the Objection raised against the application by PNA, to have the PNA Tuna Purse Seine Fishery recertified by the MSC for an additional 5 years.  The recertification of the PNA Tuna Purse Fishery will mean that around 1.3 million tonnes of skipjack, yellowfin and bigeye tuna caught annually in PNA waters from the world’s largest sustainable tuna fishery is certified by the MSC as sustainably taken for supply to global markets. Most of the certified tuna catch is provided to consumers in the form of high quality, affordable, sustainably caught canned and pouched tuna products.

The recertification of the PNA Tuna Purse Seine Fishery reflects the healthy status of these stocks and the effective management arrangements in place for tuna fishing in PNA Exclusive Economic Zones, particularly through the PNA Purse Seine Vessel Day Scheme (VDS).

Most of the 13 grounds put forward for this Objection related to the use of fish aggregating devices or FADs.  The Independent Adjudicator found that the Certification Assessment Body (LRQA)’s judgement was reasonable when applying the MSC Standard for determining the sustainability of fishing using FADs.  Most of the tuna catch in PNA EEZs is taken in sets on free swimming schools.  However, PNA expect that global suppliers and consumers of tuna products from PNA waters will appreciate the confirmation of the sustainability of FAD fishing in PNA waters.

The PNA Office CEO, Dr. Sangaalofa Clark, expressed her appreciation to the Independent Adjudicator, Mr. John McKendrick, to all the participants in the Adjudication and to the MSC staff that supported the Adjudication.