Thai Union Group has published its first Tuna Commitment Progress Report to provide a public update on its strategy to ensure 100% of the Bangkok-headquartered seafood company’s branded tuna is sustainably sourced. The initial target is to reach a minimal achievement rate of 75% by 2020, in line with its SeaChange sustainability strategy.
Thai Union’s tuna commitment program comprises an investment of US $90 million in initiatives that will increase the supply of sustainable tuna, including the establishment of 11 new fishery improvement projects (FIPs) around the world to guarantee sustainable fish stocks, minimized environmental impacts and improved management in those fisheries.
The company defines sustainably sourced tuna as tuna from fisheries either already certified according to the standards of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or involved in FIPs working toward achieving standards required for MSC certification – widely recognized by global experts as the best mark of seafood sustainability.
The Tuna Commitment Progress Report highlighted key successes for Thai Union in 2017, including:
- The activation of six tuna FIPs publicly trackable, once formalized, on fisheryprogress.org
- A close working relationship with retailers to help advance and achieve their sustainability commitments
- Engagement with governments, civil society and Regional Fishery Management Organizations (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
- The announcement of a landmark 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.
Furthermore, 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, we have 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,” said McBain. “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.”
For the entire Thai Union Tuna Commitment Progress Report, click here to download.
