The North and South Pacific fisheries are small, family-run fisheries operating out of San Diego, USA. Both were awarded the MSC ecolabel for sustainable fishing in September 2007, becoming the very first tuna fisheries in the world to be certified as sustainable.
Pacific albacore tuna is a highly migratory species. It moves throughout large areas of the Pacific Ocean. Albacore tuna is well-known for its white and tasty meat and MSC-labelled albacore tuna is available in a glass jar, canned and as a delicious smoked product.
The fish are caught using pole and troll fishing techniques and the fishers pride themselves on the care they take to protect the marine environment. Skipper Bobby, also known as Booger, is a third generation family fisherman. On his Tuna Tales blog (http://tunatales.typepad.com/), Bobby explains “I was raised fishing on a 30 tonne bait-hook and line boat just like I’m doing right now.” In fact, the ‘pole and troll’ technique has been unchanged for over 100 years. Bobby sees the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as promoting a healthy way of catching fish.
“The MSC is going to promote the fishery. It’s good because it shows that – and you’d be surprised – a lot of fishermen are actually conservationists because we’re so close to nature. We live on what we catch. The better fishermen are the ones that are in tune with nature.”
Bobby 'Booger' Blocker, skipper
“Tuna fishermen seem to get a bad rap in a worldwide way. Most of the fishermen who are left love the ocean: you’ve got to love it because it’s real hard work. Being certified sustainable is important to us. Fishermen who are doing the right thing should prove that they are and talk about it. That’s what this certificate is all about.”
Jack 'Bandini' Webster, skipper
Natalie Webster, who along with her husband Jack was part of a group of fishers who co-founded the American Albacore Fishing Association (AAFA), says MSC certification will help secure the future for fishing families like theirs. “Since we received MSC certification we’ve had increased interest in our fish,” she said. “Buyers from all over the U.S. and places in Europe are calling us wanting our products. People want to eat sustainably caught fish, and the MSC label is in demand.”
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