Thai Union has released its first annual Tuna Commitment Progress Report to provide a public update on its ambitious strategy to ensure 100% of the company’s branded tuna is sustainably sourced, with a target of achieving a minimum of 75% by 2020, in line with the company’s SeaChange sustainability strategy.
Thai Union’s Tuna Commitment also comprises an investment of USD $90 million in initiatives that will increase the supply of sustainable tuna, including the establishment of eleven new fishery improvement projects (FIPs) around the world to guarantee sustainable fish stocks, minimised environmental impacts and improved management in those fisheries.
Thai Union defines sustainably sourced tuna as tuna from fisheries either already certified according to MSC standards or involved in FIPs working toward achieving standards required for MSC certification.
To promote transparency, Thai Union announced it would provide a progress report annually for its commitment to 100% sustainable tuna when it was introduced in December 2016.
The Tuna Commitment Progress Report highlighted key successes for Thai Union in 2017, including:
• The activation of six tuna FIPs publicly trackable, once formalised
• A close working relationship with retailers to help advance and achieve their sustainability commitments
• Engagement with governments, civil society and RFMOs to ensure correct regulation and legislation is in place to effectively regulate fisheries
• A commitment to the World Economic Forum’s Tuna 2020 Traceability Declaration supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• A reaffirmation of the Tuna Commitment at the Our Ocean conference in Malta
• And, the announcement of an agreement with Greenpeace
Since the beginning of 2018, more than 90% of branded tuna sold by Thai Union Europe has been sourced from a fishery already certified to the standards of the MSC or a FIP working to achieve MSC standards. 14.2% of Thai Union’s branded tuna worldwide is currently sourced from MSC-certified fisheries, while two of Thai Union’s international brands (Hawesta in Germany and Genova in North America) have been launched with a fully MSC-certified supply.
Tuna is the most readily available source of protein for millions of people around the world, and at least one billion depend on seafood for nourishment or employment. Thai Union has a responsibility to protect tuna stocks for the good of the world as a leader in the seafood industry, according to Dr. Darian McBain, global director of sustainable development at Thai Union.
‘Today, more than ever, Thai Union has fully embraced our role at the forefront of driving positive change. Our substantial investment aims to transform tuna sourcing for the entire industry and demonstrates our strong commitment to the sustainability of our oceans,’ Darian McBain said. ‘We are proud of the progress we have made on our commitment to source 100% sustainable tuna and look forward to continuing our work with civil society, business and governments to support sustainable fishing practices.’
