The ISSF’s measure to limit purse seine capacity took effect at the start of January, but the question remains if it will be respected by ISSF member companies.
An American trader told UndercurrentNews that most European boat owners do not agree with the policy, which stops ISSF participating companies from buying tuna from new vessels, according to a seafood news website. The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) is made up of tuna industry companies, scientists and the WWF.
The source says the boat owners believe the ISSF has no right to intervene in their fleet renewal and management, and that the Asian fishing nations will continue to increase their capacity regardless of the ISSF measure.
Under the policy, ISSF member companies can only purchase skipjack, bigeye or yellowfin tuna from large-scale purse seiners that were actively fishing at the end of 2012, or already under construction by Dec. 31, 2012 with a maximum completion deadline of June 30, 2015.
