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New VOSI Platform | More Verified Sustainability Actions, Now Easier to Track

June 26, 2025

Featured News

ISSF Expands Tuna Vessel Best Practices Tracked in VOSI Transparency Tool

ISSF has released a fully redesigned version of its Vessels in Other Sustainability Initiatives (VOSI) tool — a one-of-a-kind global transparency resource that enables seafood supply chain stakeholders to assess tuna vessel participation in MSC-certified fisheries, fishery improvement projects (FIPs), and other best-practice sustainability initiatives.

The redesigned VOSI expands the number of vessel best practices it tracks to reflect the latest science and evolving industry standards. New criteria now verify whether vessels are adopting measures to reduce bycatch of vulnerable species like sharks and sea turtles, such as:

Use of circle hooks and finfish bait
Use of monofilament branch lines
Landing sharks with fins naturally attached
Avoiding the use of shark lines

The enhanced tool also continues to report on other practices, from non-entangling and biodegradable FAD use to electronic monitoring and MSC Improvement Program participation. All listed commitments are independently verified by MRAG Americas through an annual documentation review process, ensuring that vessel-reported actions are both credible and transparent.

“This VOSI evolution enhances transparency while supporting market-based and NGO-driven efforts to improve tuna fishery practices worldwide,” said ISSF President Susan Jackson.

VOSI’s expanded capabilities support broader initiatives like The Nature Conservancy’s Tuna Transparency Pledge, which calls for 100% on-the-water monitoring across tuna fleets. Stakeholders such as The Nature Conservancy and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) have commended the VOSI platform for bringing clarity and accountability to sustainability pledges.

A new, intuitive platform interface makes it easier than ever for users — from retailers and NGOs to certification bodies — to filter vessels by specific sustainability practices, vessel flag, or identifier. Quick links to ProActive Vessel Register (PVR) data and exportable vessel profiles help create a seamless user experience.

More than 800 vessels are represented on the VOSI platform.

Explore the redesigned tool: https://www.iss-foundation.org/vessel-and-company-commitments/vessels-in-other-sustainability-initiatives-vosi/vosi-tool/

Vessel owners interested in applying: Apply to VOSI

ICYMI

Scientific Achievements in Sustainable Tuna Fishing

The ISSF 2024 annual report, Science Leads the Way, spotlights the organization’s global efforts to drive sustainability in tuna fisheries through science-based solutions, industry engagement and policy advocacy.

With nearly half of ISSF’s budget dedicated to science in 2024, the report details a year rich with research milestones, collaborative partnerships and field-level impacts — efforts collectively aimed at ISSF’s ultimate objective: helping tuna fisheries to meet and maintain the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard criteria. From publishing the first “jelly-FAD” construction guide on biodegradable, non-entangling fishing gear to organizing 34 workshops for tuna fishers worldwide, ISSF continues to place science at the core of its efforts.

“ISSF uses the power of the scientific process to illuminate ways to continuously improve sustainable tuna-fishing policies,” Susan Jackson, ISSF President, remarks in the report. “In the big picture of fishery sustainability, solution-oriented science is essential for sound policy. Our research can have the most impact when RFMOs and government agencies are able to leverage it to enact optimal conservation measures for fisheries.”