World's First Sustainable Tuna Fishery Certified

Photo credit: parkerman

The San Diego, Calif.-based American Albacore Fishing Association (AAFA) is the first sustainable tuna fishery to be officially certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, an independent non-profit organization that promotes environmental responsibility in an industry plagued by overfishing and accidental bycatch.

Sushi and sashimi lovers take note: Overfishing has caused a dramatic decline in the bluefish tuna population, with the species at risk for extinction in some areas, according to a series of studies by the Census of Marine Life and other researchers.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) sponsored the assessment of the fishery. “If we want our grandchildren to have tuna on their dinner plates and in the sea, sustainable tuna fishing practices must be adopted,” said Meredith Lopuch, Community Fisheries Program Director with WWF in the United States. Customers will be able to buy MSC-certified tuna in stores nationwide later this year. ::Mongabay

See also: ::Wal-Mart to Sell "Sustainable Shrimp" and ::The 10 Solutions to Save the Oceans

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