The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) have welcomed the decision of the MSC independent adjudicator, in respect of the objection raised against the application by PNA, to have its tuna purse seine fishery recertified for a further five years.
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 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 gets to carry the MSC blue tick. Most of the certified tuna catch is provided to consumers in the form of affordable, sustainably caught canned and pouched tuna products.
According to the PNA, this recertification reflects the health 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).
The PNA Office CEO, Dr. Sangaalofa Clark, expressed her appreciation to independent adjudicator John McKendrick, to all the participants in the adjudication and to the MSC staff who supported the Adjudication.
