Author: Lynne Mandel

ISSF’s 2025 IATTC Priorities Released | Science-based asks for EPO tuna management

Written by Lynne Mandel on July 24, 2025. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

Featured News

ISSF Shares 2025 Position Statement Ahead of IATTC Annual Meeting

Ahead of the September 2025 Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) meeting, the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) has published its annual position statement, outlining science-based priorities to strengthen Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) tuna fisheries management. The recommendations focus on advancing precautionary measures, improving monitoring, and safeguarding marine ecosystems—key steps toward long-term sustainability.

ISSF’s top asks include:

Accelerating the adoption of harvest strategies for tropical tunas
Enhancing electronic monitoring and requiring 100% observer coverage for both longline and small purse seine vessels
Implementing stronger rules and tracking for fish aggregating devices (FADs)
Improving compliance through standardized reporting and performance metrics

ISSF also calls for improved bycatch mitigation and stronger regulation of at-sea transshipment. These priorities build on IATTC’s recent progress and aim to ensure that science-based, transparent management remains central to regional fisheries governance.

Read the full statement

Featured Tool

Updated VOSI: Track Vessel Sustainability Participation
ISSF has expanded its Vessels in Other Sustainability Initiatives (VOSI) verified transparency tool to include new vessel-level best practices on bycatch mitigation—giving stakeholders deeper insights into vessel commitments.

Explore VOSI

Featured Resource

RFMO Best Practices Snapshots
IATTC is an RFMO best practice leader in two critical areas of fisheries management – supply and tender vessel and FAD management. To learn more, peruse our RFMO Best Practices Snapshots, which identify best practices that Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) should follow to manage tuna fisheries sustainably.

In detailed tables, the snapshots compare tuna RFMO progress in implementing the practices. We also publish companion “best-practices reports” on these topics and “RFMO progress” infographics.

RFMO Best Practices Snapshot: Treatment of Supply & Tender Vessels by RFMO

RFMO Best Practices Snapshot: FAD Management

ISSF in the News

ISSF members report compliance in tuna fishing sustainability objectives
Undercurrent News

Fishing Industry Makes Progress Towards Tuna Sustainability and Conservation
Deeper Blue

Verifying Seafood Industry Commitments | NEW Interactive Web Feature

Written by Lynne Mandel on July 17, 2025. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

Featured Content

Verifying Seafood Industry Commitments

ISSF’s Compliance Program Advances Tuna Sustainability

ISSF launched an in‑depth web feature spotlighting its latest ISSF Annual Conservation Measures & ProActive Vessel Register Compliance Report — an independent, third‑party audit report that benchmarks transparency and accountability among tuna companies and vessels.

The interactive feature highlights striking results: 99.6 % overall company compliance across 24 audited participants and a 77.5 % vessel pass rate on the ProActive Vessel Register. It also introduces first‑time audited outcomes for ISSF Conservation Measures 2.5 (transparency in reporting sustainable sourcing) and 1.3 (reducing Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna sourcing), underscoring real progress in traceability and stock rebuilding efforts. Enhanced visuals detail roadmap commitments, audit scores, and vessel performance — bringing clarity to the tuna supply chain. This feature reinforces ISSF’s leadership in driving verifiable sustainability and elevating expectations for industry accountability.

Dive In

ICYMI

ISSF Expands Tuna Vessel Best Practices Tracked in VOSI Transparency Tool

Redesigned Platform Now Verifies More Bycatch Mitigation Measures, Including for Sharks and Sea Turtles

ISSF recently released a fully redesigned version of its Vessels in Other Sustainability Initiatives (VOSI) resource — a one-of-a-kind global transparency tool that offers retailers and other stakeholders across the seafood supply chain insights into tuna vessel participation in Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) fisheries, fishery improvement projects (FIPs), and best-practice sustainability initiatives.

Learn More

ISSF in the News

Tuna industry hits sustainability milestone

World Fishing & Aquaculture

ISSF Annual Compliance Report

Fish Focus

99.6% Compliance & New Tuna Sustainability Measures | NEW REPORT: ISSF Conservation Measures & PVR Vessel Compliance

Written by Lynne Mandel on July 10, 2025. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

Featured News

ISSF Annual Compliance Report Highlights Industry Progress in Tuna Sustainability and New Conservation Requirements

Report shows 99.6% conformance by participating companies with 33 ISSF conservation measures and 77.5% conformance by PVR-listed vessels with 12 measures

ISSF has published its latest ISSF Annual Conservation Measures & ProActive Vessel Register Compliance Report, showcasing the continued commitment of participating companies to sustainable tuna fisheries and responsible supply chains.

For the 2024 audit period, the 24 ISSF participating companies achieved a 99.6% conformance rate across 33 ISSF conservation measures. The report also presents the first audited results for Conservation Measure (CM) 2.5 – Transparency in Reporting Progress Against ISSF’s Five-Year Goal and for the reduction in sourcing Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna, newly in effect under CM 1.3 – IOTC Yellowfin Tuna Rebuilding. In addition, it summarizes the aggregate compliance of vessels on the ProActive Vessel Register (PVR) with ISSF measures applicable to vessel operations.

Read the Report

Feature Content

New and Notable ISSF Conservation Measures Audited

The ISSF Annual Conservation Measures & ProActive Vessel Register Compliance Report shows that, in 2024, all 24 ISSF participating companies achieved full conformance with CM 2.5 – Transparency in Reporting Progress Against ISSF’s Five-Year Goal. This measure requires companies to report the proportion of their tuna purchases from sustainable sources — such as Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified fisheries or comprehensive Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) — and to provide roadmaps for improvement.

“Adding CM 2.5 to our compliance reporting reinforces ISSF’s commitment to continuous improvement and full supply-chain transparency,” said ISSF President Susan Jackson. “This measure gives retailers, NGOs, and other stakeholders the verified data they need to track how companies are advancing responsible sourcing in real, quantifiable terms.”

The report includes charts illustrating this newly audited individual company performance under CM 2.5. One chart shows the percentage of purchases by fishery source (e.g., MSC-certified fisheries, MSC-assessed fisheries, comprehensive FIPs), while the other details purchases by supplier type (e.g., ISSF participating companies, direct-from-vessel transactions). Together, these provide a clear view of how companies are progressing toward ISSF’s Five-Year Goal.

The report also shows that 22 of 24 ISSF participating companies were in full compliance with ISSF CM 1.3 – IOTC Yellowfin Tuna Rebuilding for the 2024 audit year. This measure supports stock recovery by requiring companies to publicly commit to and implement plans to reduce their sourcing of yellowfin tuna from the Indian Ocean. The specific requirement for companies to achieve sourcing reductions of 11% to 22%, based on their average annual Indian Ocean yellowfin purchases from 2017–2019, was newly audited and reported in this year’s compliance report.

“The Scientific Committee of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission stated that larger catch reductions could allow the stock to recover sooner with a greater probability,” said Dr. Victor Restrepo, Chair, ISSF Scientific Advisory Committee. “Taken together, ISSF participating companies reduced sourcing of Indian Ocean yellowfin by 32.5%, well exceeding the intended goal of CM 1.3.”

“The adoption of CM 1.3 has been instrumental in aligning seafood industry practices with Indian Ocean Tuna Commission rebuilding efforts,” said marine scientist Dr. Andrew Rosenberg, Vice Chair, ISSF Board of Directors. “By setting a clear, science-based, measurable standard for sourcing reductions, the measure helps companies contribute directly to easing fishing pressure on the overfished yellowfin stock. This effort is essential for achieving sustainable fisheries.”

Learn More

ISSF in the News

Tuna Sustainability and The Work of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation
How To Protect The Ocean Podcast

ISSF Expands Tuna Vessel Best Practices Tracked in VOSI Transparency Tool
Fish Focus

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

Written by Lynne Mandel on June 26, 2025. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

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.”

ISSF in the News

Vietnam-based KTCFOOD joins International Seafood Sustainability Foundation

Seafood Source

Six nations representing 15% of global tuna catch join transparency pledge

Undercurrent News

Recognizing World Sea Turtle Day | Protecting Sea Turtles in Tuna Fisheries

Written by Lynne Mandel on June 16, 2025. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

June 16 marks World Sea Turtle Day — a moment to reflect on the importance of protecting these iconic marine species, which face numerous threats including incidental capture in global fisheries. Many sea turtle populations are in decline and are protected under international agreements and national laws.

Tuna fisheries, including longline and purse-seine operations, must take proactive steps to reduce sea turtle bycatch and ensure safe handling and release when interactions occur. ISSF works with scientists, fishers, seafood companies, and conservation organizations to reduce the impact of tuna fishing on sea turtle populations. Our efforts span at-sea mitigation, gear innovation, fisher education, and nesting conservation.

Nesting Site Protection: Local Projects, Global Impact

Safeguarding nesting sites is critical to sea turtle recovery. Threats such as coastal development, predation, and human disturbance can devastate hatchling survival rates.

Through an annual fund exceeding $100,000, ISSF supports on-the-ground nesting and community outreach projects in countries such as Brazil, Tanzania, Peru, and Oman. These projects—made possible by ISSF Participating Companies including Bumble Bee, Thai Union, TriMarine, and StarKist—protect beaches, engage communities, and help rebuild sea turtle populations.

View ISSF-Funded Sea Turtle Conservation Projects

Bycatch Mitigation: Tools, Training & Best Practices

Sea turtle bycatch in purse-seine fisheries generally results in high survival rates — with over 90% of turtles released alive. In longline fisheries, however, sea turtles are more frequently hooked, and mortality risks are higher.

To reduce bycatch and improve survival:

ISSF hosts longline skipper workshops focused on safe handling and release.
We publish guides, posters, and infographics to promote onboard best practices.
We support gear modifications, like wide circle hooks, fish bait use, and deep-set lines to minimize turtle interactions.

Download the Longline Skippers Guidebook

Preventing Entanglement: FAD Innovation

Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) with netting can entangle sea turtles. That’s why ISSF promotes the use of non-entangling, biodegradable FADs—solutions that protect marine life while supporting sustainable fishing.

Our Jelly-FAD Construction Guide outlines a nearly 100% biodegradable, non-entangling design that helps fishers reduce ocean plastics and protect vulnerable species.

Download the Jelly-FAD Guide

Conservation in Action: ISSF CM 3.6

ISSF Conservation Measure (CM) 3.6 supports bycatch reduction in longline fisheries by requiring ISSF Participating Companies to engage only with vessels that follow best practices for minimizing interactions with sharks, sea turtles, and seabirds.

In the latest audit cycle, 100% of ISSF Participating Companies conformed with CM 3.6—demonstrating real progress toward responsible tuna sourcing.

Review CM 3.6

Featured Resource: “Saving Sea Turtles” Infographic

This visual guide helps fishers identify safe handling techniques to maximize survival after incidental capture.

Download the Infographic

World Oceans Day 2025 | Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us

Written by Lynne Mandel on June 11, 2025. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

World Oceans Day 2025: Sustaining What Sustains Us

How ISSF Advances the “Wonder” of Our Ocean Planet

As World Oceans Day was celebrated on June 8 and the UN Ocean Conference continues, ocean conservation remains in sharp focus this week. This year’s World Oceans Day theme, Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us, invites reflection on the remarkable life systems the ocean supports, and our shared responsibility to protect them. At ISSF, that mission is central to everything we do.

From safeguarding tuna stocks to supporting ocean biodiversity and promoting industry accountability, here are five ways ISSF delivers on this powerful theme:

1. Driving Science-Based Tuna Sustainability

Tuna species are essential—as a food source for millions of people, a pillar of the global economy, and a vital component of marine ecosystems.

Through science and advocacy—from our Status of the Stocks report to attending Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) meetings—ISSF supports the effective, science-based conservation and management of tuna resources globally. We provide data, best-practices recommendations, and other expertise that vessels, seafood companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), RFMOs and government agencies can rely on to maintain healthy tuna populations.

Learn more: ISSF Status of the Stocks Report

2. Reducing Ocean Plastics with Innovative Fishing Gear

We promote the use of non-entangling and biodegradable Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) that reduce marine debris and protect vulnerable species like sharks and sea turtles. Our research on “jelly-FADs” is helping phase out gear that risks entangling marine life.

Explore our work: Fresh Thinking About FADs

3. Enhancing Transparency at Sea

Through platforms like the ProActive Vessel Register (PVR) and Vessels in Other Sustainability Initiatives (VOSI), we publicly track and verify vessel-level sustainability practices, including the use of electronic monitoring systems and non-entangling FADs. These tools provide insight into commitments to best practices beyond regulatory requirements.

Learn more: Verified Vessel Lists

4. Protecting Ocean Biodiversity Through Bycatch Mitigation

Bycatch reduction is critical to marine conservation. ISSF collaborates with scientists and fishers to develop, test, and promote tools and practices that help marine life like turtles, rays, and seabirds avoid capture. Our library of bycatch mitigation resources offers practical guidance, much of which is adopted by fleets around the world.

Explore our work: Reducing Bycatch in Tuna Fisheries

5. Educating & Engaging the Global Tuna Community

From fishers and scientists to retailers and NGOs, ISSF offers tools and expert guidance that help diverse stakeholders drive progress. Our evolving website offers on-demand access to trusted data, research, and outreach tools — helping the global tuna community work together toward a more sustainable future.

Featured resource: Fisher Outreach Program Overview

Reaffirming Our Commitment

As we celebrate World Oceans Day, ISSF reaffirms its commitment to protect the oceans that sustain us — with science, innovation, and collaboration.

Momentum for Sustainable Tuna: RFMOs Making Strides | Progress in EM, compliance, FAD management, and harvest strategies

Written by Lynne Mandel on June 5, 2025. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

ICYMI

How RFMOs Are Advancing Four Key Components of Sustainable Fisheries

A growing share of the global tuna catch comes from stocks that are not subject to overfishing, thanks largely to continuously improving management by tuna regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs). As an advocate and partner for science-based reforms, ISSF has played a catalytic role in driving many of these improvements.

Through targeted research, technical guidance, and the development of practical tools, ISSF has supported RFMOs in advancing key areas of fisheries management—particularly in strengthening compliance frameworks and expanding the use of electronic monitoring (EM). ISSF has also led pioneering research on fish aggregating device (FAD) designs, promoting the adoption of non-entangling and biodegradable materials to reduce ecological impacts and support sustainable fishing practices. These efforts have helped RFMOs build more transparent, accountable, and effective management systems.

Here is a look at how tuna RFMOs have made significant strides across four fundamental aspects of sustainable fisheries management.

Featured Graphic

Tuna RFMOs and the Development of MSE and Precautionary Management Procedures for Tunas

This timeline graphic shows milestones in efforts by all tuna RFMOs to develop management strategy evaluations (MSE) and precautionary management procedures (MP) for albacore, bigeye, bluefin, and skipjack tuna stocks.

View

Featured Tool

Global Influence Network

We created a Web feature that visualizes the locations and impact of ISSF participating companies and other “influencers” advocating for sustainable RMFO fishing policies.

Explore the interactive feature

ISSF in the News

Vietnam’s KTCFOOD joins tuna sustainability group ISSF
Undercurrent News

“A pivotal moment for global tuna conservation” – Tuna Transparency Pledge gains new national signatories
Seafood Source

ISSF Welcomes New Participating Company | PLUS Innovating for Bycatch Mitigation

Written by Lynne Mandel on May 29, 2025. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

Featured News

ISSF Welcomes Vietnam’s KTCFOOD as a New Participating Company

KTCFOOD Joins 23 Leading Seafood Companies Working to Drive Sustainability in Global Tuna Fisheries

Vietnam-based KTCFOOD has joined ISSF as its newest participating company. By aligning with ISSF — recognized as a leading force in the long-term conservation and sustainable use of global tuna fisheries — KTCFOOD will support science-based conservation initiatives, contribute to sustainability-focused research, and help promote responsible fishing policies and practices worldwide.

“KTCFOOD’s decision to join ISSF reflects a commitment to investing in a better future for tuna fisheries through credible, science-based action,” said Susan Jackson, ISSF President. “We are proud to welcome them to our global network of changemakers. With every new partner, we strengthen our commitment to building a seafood supply chain that is more transparent and sustainable — while advancing the health of tuna stocks and protecting the broader marine ecosystem through collaborative conservation efforts.”

Meet the ISSF Participating Companies

Featured Content

Advancing Shark, Mobula Ray, and Seabird Bycatch Research

ISSF’s at-sea bycatch-mitigation research includes testing Bycatch Release Devices (BRDs), such as release ramps, with purse seine fleets.

These ramps allow fishers to release bycatch animals from the upper deck of the purse seiner back into the ocean. While primarily designed for sharks — particularly silky sharks and oceanic whitetip sharks, which are often accidentally caught and are of special concern due to their low resilience to fishing pressure — these ramps are also effective for releasing other bycatch species.

BRDs not only enable faster animal release, which is critical for post-release survival, but also improve crew safety.

Learn More in the ISSF Annual Report

Featured Article

A new article in the ICES Journal of Marine Science, titled “Codeveloping On-Deck Conservation Technology with Tropical Tuna Purse Seine Fishers to Mitigate Elasmobranch Bycatch,” and co-authored by ISSF scientists, highlights innovative, co-developed bycatch release devices (BRDs) designed with tropical tuna purse seine fishers to improve the survival of sharks and rays.

These tools, including ramps, stretchers, and sorting grids, enhance crew safety and speed up releases, offering a practical win-win for conservation and fishing operations. The work also underscores the importance of long-term collaboration with fishers and growing market demand for sustainable practices.

A brief related video on the ICES YouTube channel offers an overview of the paper, including photos and video clips of BRDs.

Read the Paper

See All ISSF Peer-reviewed Articles

BLOG: Recognizing Progress in Fisheries Management | PLUS Updated RFMO Best Practice Snapshots

Written by Lynne Mandel on May 22, 2025. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

Featured Content

Recognizing Progress in Tuna Fisheries Management

How RFMOs Are Advancing Four Key Components of Sustainable Fisheries

Drawing from ISSF’s recently updated RFMO Best Practices Snapshots series and related content, here is a look at how tuna RFMOs have made significant strides across four fundamental aspects of sustainable fisheries management.

Featured Resource

RFMO Best Practices Snapshots

ISSF’s RFMO Best Practices Snapshots series offers an at-a-glance view of how the world’s major tuna RFMOs are performing against widely recognized best practices in fisheries management.

Updated regularly, the snapshots help stakeholders—including policymakers, industry leaders, and NGOs— track progress, identify gaps, and prioritize areas for action. By providing side-by-side comparisons across key sustainability topics like compliance, FAD management, and observer coverage, the series supports greater accountability and encourages continued improvements. The snapshots are a practical tool for fostering informed dialogue and driving science-based reforms at the RFMO level.

Explore Our Snapshots

Featured Graphic

RFMO Best Practice Performance

An updated table shows which RFMOs are leaders — that is, following best practices in fishery management — in several categories: IUU Vessel List, Authorized Vessel Record, Compliance Assessment Process, EM and 100% Observer Coverage, Supply & Tender Vessels, VMS, Transshipment, and FAD Management.

View

Did you Know?

Explore all ISSF advocacy outcomes in our annual report, Science Leads the Way.

Science in Action | Driving Progress for Sustainable Tuna Fisheries

Written by Lynne Mandel on May 8, 2025. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

ICYMI

Science Leads the Way

“ISSF uses the power of the scientific process to illuminate ways to continuously improve sustainable tuna-fishing policies. 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.”

Susan Jackson, ISSF President, opens our 2024 Annual Report with a reflection that highlights ISSF’s commitment to continuous improvement in sustainable tuna fisheries through science-based initiatives, collaboration, and transparency.

Read Ms. Jackson’s Letter

Did you Know?

Vessel List Growth

At 2024-year end, the ProActive Vessel Register (PVR) listed an all- time-high 1,739 vessels. The Vessels in Other Sustainability Initiatives (VOSI) reached 808 vessel registrations, a 63% annual increase.

Nearly 70% of vessels registered on ISSF’s Large Scale Purse Seine Record (LSPSR) also were listed on the PVR. And 84% of the large- scale tropical tuna purse-seine fish hold volume globally is represented on the PVR.