The Adjudication Hearing for the MSC recertification of the PNA Purse Seine Fishery (Freeschool + FAD sets) concluded in Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday 2 August 2024.

The Coalition for Transparent Tuna Fisheries (who also objected to the PNA scope extension in 2021) objected on 13 grounds to the recertification of the PNA fishery by the Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) Lloyds Register Quality Assurance (LRQA).

The 2.5 day hearing was overseen by an MSC-appointed Independent Adjudicator who will consider the oral presentations and written submissions by the Objector, CAB and PNAO and issue a decision notice on all 13 grounds of objection later in August. His decision will be binding and final.

There are over 20 MSC certified purse seine fisheries in the WCPO covering freeschool and FAD catches. The final decision by the Independent Adjudicator is specific to the PNA recertification and not binding on other MSC certified tuna fisheries in the WCPO.