Photo: MSC/Pelamis Australia

World-First for Sustainability: Australia's Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery Achieves MSC Certification

AUSTRALIA
Friday, April 25, 2025, 00:00 (GMT + 9)

A sought-after species once severely overfished marks a historic recovery as the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna purse seine fishery earns the prestigious MSC certification for sustainable practices.

In a landmark achievement for global fisheries, the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association (ASBTIA) has announced that its purse seine fishery has been certified as sustainable to the rigorous standard of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). This represents a historic first for a highly prized species that was once critically overfished.

Photo: ASBTIA

This significant milestone underscores the success of long-term, science-based fisheries management, robust international cooperation, and stringent quota enforcement. The MSC certification also reflects the remarkable recovery of Southern Bluefin tuna populations off the Australian coast, a testament to effective conservation efforts that have led to the species' removal from Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) list of threatened species.

The announcement was lauded by the Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, who recognized the industry's crucial role in achieving both environmental and economic success: “Environmental conservation and sustainable industry are intrinsically linked, and Australia’s tuna fishing industry is a world leader in this regard. Their dedication and hard work have resulted in a healthy Southern Bluefin tuna population.”

Southern Bluefin Tuna plays a vital economic role in Port Lincoln, South Australia, and is highly valued globally for its exceptional quality and rich flavor, particularly in the high-end Japanese sushi and sashimi markets.

By achieving MSC certification, the fishery now meets the increasing global demand for eco-labeled, sustainably sourced seafood. This provides assurance to international buyers and consumers regarding the fishery's strong sustainability credentials.

“The successful MSC certification of the Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery recognizes it as one of the most sustainable fishing operations worldwide. This certification is not merely an accolade but tangible proof that committed sustainable fishing practices can indeed reverse significant environmental challenges,” stated Anne Gabriel, MSC Program Director for Oceania and Singapore.

The MSC’s independent assessment rigorously evaluates fisheries based on three core principles: the health of the target stock, the impact of fishing on the wider marine ecosystem, and the effectiveness of the fishery's management system. ASBTIA’s certification serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when scientific guidance informs industry practices.

ASBTIA CEO Daniel Casement hailed the certification as a momentous occasion for the industry: “Achieving certification against the MSC standard, the world's most recognized eco-label for sustainable seafood, is hugely rewarding.

This recognition is a testament to decades of innovation, an unwavering commitment to the conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna, and our development as a global leader in responsible tuna production.”

He further added, “Being the first Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery globally to achieve this prestigious certification is both humbling and incredibly exciting. We see MSC certification as a crucial platform for the future development of our industry, our markets, and our products.”

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