Australia's southern bluefin tuna achieves sustainable certification

The Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association (ASBTIA) has had its purse seine fishery certified as sustainable to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard — a significant milestone for the southern bluefin tuna species that was once severely overfished but has now been removed from the threatened species list. The achievement highlights the success of science-based fisheries management, international cooperation and vigorous quota enforcement. 

Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, acknowledged industry’s role in achieving both environmental and economic outcomes. “Environmental conservation and sustainable industry go hand in hand — and Aussie industry is world beating. The Australian tuna fishing industry has done such terrific work [so that] the southern bluefin tuna population is now healthy.”

Southern bluefin tuna plays a key economic role in Port Lincoln, South Australia, and is prized globally for its quality and rich flavour — especially in high-end Japanese sushi and sashimi markets. With MSC certification, the fishery now meets the growing demand for eco-labelled, sustainably sourced seafood.

ASBTIA CEO Daniel Casement welcomed the certification as a milestone for the industry. “Being the first Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery in the world to achieve this... is humbling, yet fills us full of excitement as to what is still ahead of us with MSC certification as our platform for industry, market, and product development.”

MSC’s independent assessment evaluates fisheries on stock health, ecosystem impact and management.

Image credit: iStock.com/karinsasaki