Why Tuna Might Be Doing Better Than You Think

·53 min·5 clips

Last year, 100% of the tuna catch reported by the ISSF came from stocks not experiencing overfishing.

This episode of 'How to Protect the Ocean' focuses on a positive development in tuna fisheries conservation. Host Andrew Lewin introduces the topic by noting that the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation's latest report indicates nearly 100% of tuna catch is from stocks not experiencing overfishing. Guest Susan Jackson, president of ISSF, joins to explain the details and significance of this achievement. She breaks down the numbers, revealing that 97% of catch comes from healthy stocks and 0% from unhealthy ones, with a small percentage in intermediate zones. Jackson traces the history of tuna management, noting low points in 2011 and 2016 when overfishing was more prevalent. She describes ISSF's role as a partnership between industry, scientists, and NGOs, formed to advocate for science-based management. The discussion delves into key mechanisms like harvest strategies, which automate decision-making to reduce political interference, and their link to Marine Stewardship Council certification, which has driven adoption. Jackson explains how industry transparency, such as companies sharing purchase data, and voluntary programs like the Vessels in Other Sustainability Initiatives (VOC) have contributed to progress. She emphasizes the importance of good data and compliance monitoring. Challenges mentioned include the need for better electronic monitoring and ecosystem-based management. The episode concludes with Jackson's vision for the next milestone: fully implemented and tested harvest strategies for all tuna stocks.

As heard by us

A rare tuna conservation win, explained as a system rather than a miracle.

The episode lands on a notable tuna conservation milestone: last year, 100% of the tuna catch in ISSF reports came from stocks that were not experiencing overfishing.

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Want the story behind a near-100% tuna milestone and the rules that helped make it happen?

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