The American Albacore Fishing Association, the world’s first tuna fishery to be certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, has the eco-label’s approval again after the fishery passed its recertification.
Based in San Diego, the fishery – approved first in 2007 – uses pole-and-line to catch albacore tuna one at a time in the Pacific Ocean. Its fleet of 60 vessels produces more than half the total U.S. albacore tuna catch each year. AAFA accounts for nearly 13,000 tons of albacore annually.
The traditional fishing method has minimal by-catch of other species and allows members of the association to set prices before leaving port, which helps sustain their business.
“In the case of AAFA, buyers are making a purchase that supports member families with a deep commitment to fishing sustainably,†says Kerry Coughlin, MSC regional director for the Americas. “We congratulate the greater AAFA family on the ongoing sustainability of their fishery and hope it will continue to serve as an incentive for other fisheries worldwide.â€
