In partnership with AFNOR, French tuna operators’ industry body Orthongel has developed a responsible tuna fishing standard designed to provided a harmonised framework for tropical tuna seine fishing practices.
Orrthongel’s aims with this voluntary NF V45-076 initiative are to facilitate responsible sourcing choices for industry partners, to inspire other similar initiatives, and support development by integrating technological advances and best practices derived from field experience.
‘This standard represents a major step forward for our industry. It provides a clear, rigorous framework for the good practices we’ve been advocating for years. Orthongel thus confirms its determination to be an exemplary player in sustainable fishing, while reinforcing consumer and partner confidence in our products,’ said Orthongel president Xavier Leduc.
This standard is part of Orthongel’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable and responsible fishing, in particular by obtaining MSC certification in March 2024 for its catches of yellowfin and skipjack tuna in the Atlantic Ocean.
According to Orthongel, the MSC certification awarded last March is a recognition of the commitment of French tropical tuna operators to sustainable management.
‘With the publication of this AFNOR standard, Orthongel is unveiling a guide to good practice in tuna fishing, within a clear, evolving framework,’ an Orthongel representative commented.
This process, supported by France Filière Pêche via the NORMATT project, involved a wide range of industry players for 18 months, before being submitted for public consultation. This collaborative process ensured broad support and met stakeholders’ expectations.
The NF V45-076 standard is based on the three major pillars of control of activity, with implementation of rigorous systems for monitoring catches, fisheries traceability and compliance with quotas defined by RFMOs, environmental protection including integration of non-entandling and biodegradable FADs, best practice guidelines for the release of sensitive species, optimization of fuel consumption and pollution control, and social responsibility, guaranteeing fair and decent working conditions for crews, in line with international standards.
