One of the heavyweights of the European retail market is taking a strong stance on tuna with its decision to become part of the Global Tuna Alliance, with Carrefour seeking a dual approach focused on improving tuna fishing regulations and management, while also ensuring best practices on all vessels supplying the chain.
‘We need to be the change for our ocean. Tuna stocks need to be managed sustainably with the correct regulations in place, and fishers need to stick to these rules, allowing transparency on the water to ensure compliance. Carrefour is proud to be part of those acting for tuna sustainability, and we are eager to partner with the Global Tuna Alliance to push these vital changes forward,’ said Carrefour’s chief impact officer Carine Kraus.
Carrefour is suspending sourcing of Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna for the company’s own-brand canned products across France, Italy, Spain, and Belgium. This definitive action underscores Carrefour’s prioritisation of responsible sourcing and its stance against unsustainable tuna fishing practices.
Carrefour is also collaborating with other brands to share and implement practices aimed at reducing the impact of different fishing techniques, notably fish aggregating devices (FADs). Recognising the challenges associated with FAD fishing, Carrefour states that it is committed to decreasing the proportion of its tuna products sourced using these methods until management of such gear is sufficiently improved and FADs can be employed more responsibly and sustainably.
By joining forces with the Global Tuna Alliance (GTA), Carrefour aims to strengthen fisheries management practices and address those continued social and environmental risks with direct action. This collaboration is seen as a unified message from the retail sector to Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), emphasising the urgent need for sustainable management to ensure the long-term viability of tuna stocks.
‘Carrefour’s decision to take a stand against the status quo and support rigorous regulatory and compliance measures is a game-changer,’ said GTA executive director Daniel Suddaby.
‘This partnership not only promotes sustainable fishing practices, but also ensures transparency and accountability in the tuna supply chain.’
