Environmental organisation WWF and the tuna industry have signed a memorandum of understanding for a new sustainable fishing project in Brazil.
Alongside the WWF, the agreement was signed by leading global players such as Thai Union Europe, Actemsa and Industrias Alimenticias Leal Santos.
The Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) seeks to improve the pole and line tuna fishery in south and south-east coastal areas of Brazil to meet the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council for sustainable fisheries.
The FIP will focus on implementing actions that will improve healthy fish stocks, minimal and reversible impact on ecosystems, and effective fisheries management. The project will initially cover tuna from six Brazilian-flagged pole and line vessels.
Sustainability Concerns
“This is an important step towards addressing the sustainability concerns around the Brazil tuna fishery," said Beatrix Richards, head of sustainable commodities at WWF UK.
"The sustainability of the world’s seafood supply is a critical global issue, not only for the environment, but also for human welfare. Our oceans are under more pressure than ever before."
Development of an action plan will begin immediately, in consultation with the WWF. It will outline the major activities, improvement areas, course of action and key performance indicators that all partners will have to achieve within the five-year timeframe.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
