Author: Lynne Mandel

Annual Compliance Report Shows Continued High Conformance with Science-Based Tuna Sustainability Conservation Measures

Written by Lynne Mandel on July 2, 2026. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

Featured News

ISSF Annual Compliance Report Shows Continued High Conformance with Science-Based Tuna Sustainability Conservation Measures
Independent Audits Show Companies Achieved 98.8% Conformance While Aggregate PVR Vessel Compliance Reached 75.6%

ISSF has published its latest ISSF Annual Conservation Measures & ProActive Vessel Register Compliance Report, providing independently audited results on implementation of ISSF Conservation Measures by participating companies and vessels listed on the ISSF ProActive Vessel Register (PVR).

For the 2025 audit period, the 24 ISSF participating companies achieved a 98.8% conformance rate across 32 ISSF conservation measures. The report also summarizes aggregate compliance on the ISSF ProActive Vessel Register (PVR) for the vessel-related measures it tracks. Independent audits were conducted by MRAG Americas in accordance with established ISSF audit protocols, providing stakeholders with transparent, independently verified information on implementation of ISSF Conservation Measures by participating companies and PVR vessels.

“ISSF’s Conservation Measures are more than commitments on paper,” said Susan Jackson, ISSF President. “For the tenth consecutive year, participating companies achieved more than 90% conformance with ISSF Conservation Measures, reflecting a sustained commitment to implementing science-based best practices. Independent auditing and public reporting help demonstrate how those measures are being implemented by participating companies and PVR-listed vessels. Together, they provide an important level of accountability that supports ISSF’s science-based approach to tuna fisheries.”

Featured Infographic

Our “Change Over Time” line graph tracks changes since 2015 in the conformance percentages of ISSF participating companies in aggregate with ISSF conservation measures. It also shows changes in the number of companies and measures from year to year.

This graphic tracks compliance based on data published in the ISSF Annual Conservation Measures & ProActive Vessel Register Compliance Report.

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Featured Video

Building on Our Successes — Transparent Accountability

At the launch of ISSF’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan for sustainable fisheries, ISSF President Susan Jackson reflects in this video on the organization’s compliance process for participating seafood companies and tuna vessels.

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ICYMI

Reflecting on a Decade of Measurable Progress in Global Tuna Fisheries

“World Tuna Day, observed annually on May 2, offers an opportunity to reflect on the state of one of the world’s most important seafood resources. This year also marks a milestone: 10 years since the United Nations formally established World Tuna Day, and more than a decade of sustained, measurable progress in global tuna fisheries.”

Science Driving Progress in Global Tuna Fisheries | FAO Recognition Headlines This Issue

Written by Lynne Mandel on June 25, 2026. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

Featured News

FAO Features ISSF Contributions in Flagship Global Fisheries Report
Report Recognizes ISSF Skippers’ Training Program and Biodegradable FAD Innovation

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has featured ISSF in its newly released State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 report, one of the world’s most widely referenced assessments of global fisheries and aquaculture.

Across several chapters, the report recognizes ISSF’s contributions through the collaborative Common Oceans Tuna project. Among the examples featured are ISSF’s long-running Skippers’ Workshop program, efforts to advance bycatch mitigation and the transition to non-entangling and biodegradable fish aggregating devices (FADs), and collaborative research that led to the development of the innovative jelly-FAD.

The publication also recognizes ISSF scientific expertise through the contribution of ISSF scientist Dr. Hilario Murua, who served as a co-author of the chapter assessing the status of the world’s marine fishery resources.

Published every two years, FAO’s State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report provides governments, fisheries managers, industry, researchers, and other stakeholders with an authoritative overview of the status and future direction of global fisheries and aquaculture.

Read the FAO Report

Featured Content

ISSF Report Reviews Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Efforts in Tuna Fisheries
Updated Review Examines Ecosystem Impacts, RFMO Measures, and Mitigation Practices

An ISSF technical report reviews how different tuna fishing methods interact with non-target species and marine ecosystems, along with measures being implemented to reduce those impacts. It also summarizes MSC-certified tuna fishery performance, tuna RFMO conservation measures adopted through 2025, and ISSF conservation measures that support continual improvement across global tuna fisheries.

Among the report’s findings:

Purse seine fisheries account for 66% of the global commercial tuna catch, making continued mitigation efforts particularly important.
Research cited in the report estimates non-tuna catch in purse seine fisheries at approximately 1.4% of target tuna catch—or 0.92% when minor tunas and bonitos are excluded.
Observer data reviewed in the report found sharks and rays combined represented less than 0.5% of total catch in purse seine FAD sets.
All tropical tuna RFMOs now prohibit netting material in drifting FADs, while tuna fisheries continue expanding the use of non-entangling and biodegradable FAD designs to reduce entanglement risks for sharks and sea turtles.

The report is part of ISSF’s ongoing work to compile and assess science-based information related to tuna fisheries, ecosystem impacts, and mitigation measures worldwide.

Read the Report

Featured Video

Featured in this month’s State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report, ISSF’s non-entangling and biodegradable FAD work includes hands-on workshops with purse-seine fishers in Ghana, where participants learned to build fish aggregating devices (FADs) using natural, locally available, and biodegradable materials to help reduce plastic pollution in the ocean. Working with fisheries scientists, they constructed three bio-FAD designs from start to finish.

Watch

Featured Resource

MSC-Certified Tuna Fisheries

A table shows tuna fisheries worldwide that either have been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or are currently undergoing a full assessment to become certified. Helping tuna fisheries to meet and maintain sustainability criteria to achieve the MSC certification standard is ISSF’s ultimate objective. More than half of the world’s annual tuna catch — or about 3.1 million tonnes — comes from MSC-certified fisheries.

Tuna fishery names are linked to their pages on the MSC Track a Fishery site, where users can access additional information. The table can be sorted and filtered by column and is updated quarterly. It was last updated in June 2026.

Explore the Table

Advancing Monitoring in Tuna Fisheries | PLUS: Setting the Record Straight on IUU Fishing

Written by Lynne Mandel on June 18, 2026. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

Featured News

Scaling Electronic Monitoring in Tuna Fisheries

As discussions at the Our Ocean Conference highlight the role of technology in sustainable fisheries, electronic monitoring continues to gain momentum across tuna fisheries. Once limited to pilot projects, EM is increasingly being incorporated into fisheries monitoring programs, supported by regional standards, technological advances, and growing operational experience.

As implementation expands, attention is increasingly focused on how electronic monitoring can support fisheries data collection, compliance, and transparency across tuna fisheries.

Learn More About Electronic Monitoring

Featured Content

IUU Fishing, Facts, and Fisheries Management
Setting the Record Straight on IUU Fishing in the Western and Central Pacific

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing remains a significant concern in global fisheries, including in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. In a guest blog for ISSF, Dr. John Hampton examines available data and fisheries management information to provide context on IUU fishing estimates and their interpretation. The blog explores how IUU fishing is assessed, the role of regional management measures, and why accurate use of fisheries data is important to informed discussions about tuna sustainability.

Read the Blog

Featured Resource

Transparency Tools for Tuna Fisheries
Accessible Information on Vessel Practices and Sustainability Initiatives

ISSF’s ProActive Vessel Register (PVR) and Vessels in Other Sustainability Initiatives (VOSI) help support transparency across global tuna fisheries by providing public access to independently audited vessel-level sustainability information.

At the end of 2025, the PVR listed an all-time-high 1,839 vessels — representing approximately 83% of large-scale tropical tuna purse-seine fishing vessel hold capacity globally. VOSI also surpassed 1,200 vessel registrations, expanding visibility into vessel best practices across fleets. The PVR includes vessels audited on their compliance with select sustainability measures directly linked to ISSF conservation measures. VOSI complements the PVR by providing visibility into additional vessel practices and sustainability initiatives beyond compliance requirements reflected on the PVR.

Together, these tools help provide stakeholders with verified, accessible information on vessel-level sustainability practices across global tuna fisheries.

Explore PVR and VOSI

ISSF in the News

Market Commitment Evaluation Framework ensuring consistency in sustainability data collection, reporting
Seafood Source

Recognizing World Sea Turtle Day | Reducing Risks to Sea Turtles

Written by Lynne Mandel on June 11, 2026. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

June 16 marks World Sea Turtle Day, an opportunity to highlight practical improvements to protect sea turtles in and around tuna fisheries.

Across tuna regions, fishers, scientists, seafood companies, conservation organizations, and fisheries managers continue implementing solutions that support sea turtle conservation. From improved non-entangling fishing gear designs and safer handling practices to nesting conservation projects and evolving fisheries management measures, a range of efforts are contributing to continuous improvement.

Featured Content

Nesting Site Protection: Local Projects, Global Impact

Safeguarding nesting sites is critical to sea turtle conservation. Threats such as coastal development, predation, and human disturbance can significantly affect hatchling survival.

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, Tri Marine, and StarKist—help protect nesting beaches, engage local communities, and support sea turtle conservation efforts around the world.

View Sea Turtle Conservation Projects

Advancing FAD Best Practices

Fish aggregating devices (FADs) are an important fishing tool in many tuna fisheries. Over time, ISSF Conservation Measures and RFMO requirements have supported improvements in FAD designs to reduce entanglement risks for sea turtles and other marine species.

Today, non-entangling FAD designs are increasingly used throughout tuna fisheries, while researchers continue to innovate biodegradable materials and other approaches to further reduce ecosystem impacts.

Download the Jelly-FAD Construction Guide

Bycatch Mitigation: Tools, Training & Best Practices

Reducing risks to sea turtles also depends on what happens when interactions with vessels occur.

ISSF supports practical approaches that help fishers safely handle and release incidentally captured turtles, including:

Longline skipper workshops focused on safe handling and release techniques
Guides, posters, and infographics that promote onboard best practices
Specialized tools such as de-hookers, line cutters, and nets
Fishing practices designed to help reduce sea turtle interactions

Explore Our Skippers Guidebook

Featured Resource

“Saving Sea Turtles” Infographic

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

Download the Infographic

Transparency in Focus | Ahead of World Anti-IUU Fishing Day, ISSF content examines IUU fishing, transshipment oversight, and vessel transparency tools

Written by Lynne Mandel on June 4, 2026. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

Featured News

IUU Fishing, Facts, and Fisheries Management
Setting the Record Straight on IUU Fishing in the Western and Central Pacific

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing remains a significant concern in global fisheries, including in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. In a new blog, Dr. John Hampton examines available data and fisheries management information to provide context on IUU fishing estimates and their interpretation. The blog explores how IUU fishing is assessed, the role of regional management measures, and why accurate use of fisheries data is important to informed discussions about tuna sustainability.

Read the Blog

Featured Content

Three Oceans, Five Systems, One Shared Challenge: Strengthening Tuna At-Sea Transshipment Governance
Comparing Transshipment Rules Across Tuna RFMOs

At-sea transshipment remains an important operational practice in many tuna fisheries, but oversight requirements differ across oceans and regional fisheries management organizations. This blog reviews how the five tuna RFMOs regulate at-sea transshipment and highlights recent progress toward stronger monitoring, reporting, and transparency measures. It also identifies opportunities to improve consistency and strengthen governance across tuna fisheries worldwide.

Read the Blog

Featured Resource

Transparency Tools for Tuna Fisheries
Accessible Information on Vessel Practices and Sustainability Initiatives

At the end of 2025, the PVR listed an all-time-high 1,839 vessels — representing approximately 83% of large-scale tropical tuna purse-seine fishing vessel hold capacity globally. VOSI also reached more than 1,200 vessel registrations, reflecting expanded tracking of vessel best practices across fleets. The PVR includes vessels audited on their compliance with select sustainability measures directly linked to ISSF conservation measures. VOSI complements the PVR by providing visibility into additional vessel practices and sustainability initiatives beyond compliance requirements reflected on the PVR.

Together, these tools help provide stakeholders with verified, accessible information on vessel-level sustainability practices across global tuna fisheries.

Explore PVR and VOSI

ISSF in the News

ISSF’s PVR and VOSI programs turning data into value for tuna supply chains
Seafood Source

IOTC commits to reducing yellowfin tuna catch over time, advances monitoring measures
Seafood Source

ISSF Welcomes Progress But Highlights Gaps After IOTC Meeting
The Fishing Daily

Nina Rosen Joins ISSF Environmental Stakeholder Committee
Fish Focus

Updated Report Reviews Environmental Impacts in Tuna Fisheries | Report Examines Fishing methods, RFMO Measures, & Mitigation Efforts

Written by Lynne Mandel on May 21, 2026. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

Featured News

Updated ISSF Report Reviews Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Efforts in Tuna Fisheries
Report Examines Fishing Methods, RFMO Measures, and Evolving Best Practices

ISSF’s latest technical report provides an updated review of how different tuna fishing methods interact with non-tuna species and marine ecosystems, along with the measures being implemented to help reduce those impacts. The report also reviews scores from MSC-certified tuna fisheries alongside tuna RFMO conservation measures adopted through 2025 and ISSF conservation measures aimed at supporting continual improvement across global tuna fisheries.

Among the report’s findings:

Purse seine fisheries account for 66% of the global commercial tuna catch, underscoring the importance of large-scale mitigation efforts across global tuna fisheries.
The report cites research estimating the global non-tuna catch rate in purse seine fisheries at approximately 1.4% relative to target tuna catch — or 0.92% when minor tunas and bonitos are excluded.
Observer data reviewed in the report found sharks and rays combined represented less than 0.5% of total catch in purse seine FAD sets.
All tropical tuna RFMOs now prohibit netting material in drifting FADs, while tuna fisheries continue expanding the use of non-entangling and biodegradable FAD designs to help reduce entanglement risks for sharks and sea turtles.

The report is part of ISSF’s ongoing work to compile and assess science-based information related to tuna fisheries, ecosystem impacts, and mitigation measures worldwide.

Read the Report

Featured Content

Updated Skippers’ Guidebook Supports Sustainable Purse-Seine Fishing Practices
4th Edition Incorporates New Mitigation Tools, FAD Guidance, and Practical At-Sea Resources

ISSF recently released the fourth edition of its Skippers’ Guidebook to Sustainable Purse Seine Fishing Practices, an updated resource designed to help tuna fishers apply science-based best practices at sea. Available in multiple languages, the guidebook provides practical guidance on reducing impacts on non-target species and marine ecosystems while supporting continual improvement across tuna fisheries.

New updates include:

Expanded guidance on non-entangling and biodegradable FAD designs
Updated bycatch mitigation techniques and safe-release practices for sharks and rays
New visuals and tools to support species identification and handling
Additional information on FAD monitoring, data collection, and ecosystem impacts
Streamlined overviews of the five tuna RFMOs and updated ISSF Conservation Measures

The guidebook draws on at-sea trials, fisher feedback, scientific research, and collaborative testing of mitigation tools — including shark release ramps and manta ray sorting grids developed with tuna fishers and ISSF scientists.

As part of ISSF’s global fisher-outreach program, the guidebook also supports requirements tied to ISSF conservation measures and the ProActive Vessel Register (PVR).

Explore the Guidebooks

ICYMI

IOTC Advances Several Monitoring and Bycatch Priorities While Tuna Conservation Challenges Remain

As the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) annual meeting concludes, ISSF welcomes several constructive outcomes for Indian Ocean tuna fisheries, particularly on bycatch mitigation, transshipment oversight, and continued investment in science-based management procedures. However, ISSF remains concerned that the adopted yellowfin tuna measure does not fully align with IOTC Scientific Committee advice.

ISSF in the News

Nina Rosen Joins ISSF Environmental Stakeholder Committee
Fish Focus

IOTC Advances Several Monitoring and Bycatch Priorities While Tuna Conservation Challenges Remain

Written by Lynne Mandel on May 18, 2026. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

Featured News

IOTC Advances Several Monitoring and Bycatch Priorities While Tuna Conservation Challenges Remain

As the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) annual meeting concludes, the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) welcomes several constructive outcomes for Indian Ocean tuna fisheries, particularly on bycatch mitigation, transshipment oversight, and continued investment in science-based management procedures. However, ISSF remains concerned that the adopted yellowfin tuna measure does not fully align with IOTC Scientific Committee advice.

Ahead of this year’s annual meeting, ISSF urged the Commission to build on recent progress in Indian Ocean tuna fisheries management by focusing on strengthening science-based tuna conservation measures and improving monitoring systems and bycatch mitigation measures.

The final meeting outcomes reflect progress in several of these areas, particularly for mobulid ray conservation, transshipment oversight, and continued investment in management procedures. Yet important gaps remain on tuna conservation measures, particularly yellowfin catch limits, and monitoring systems.

ISSF Welcomes New Environmental Stakeholder Committee Member | PLUS: Inside ISSF Accountability & Verified Transparency Initiatives Across Tuna Fisheries

Written by Lynne Mandel on May 13, 2026. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

Featured News

Nina Rosen Joins ISSF Environmental Stakeholder Committee
New ESC Member Brings Expertise in Traceability, Transparency, and Fisheries Conservation

ISSF is pleased to announce the appointment of Nina Rosen to the Environmental Stakeholder Committee (ESC).

The ESC comprises representatives from conservation organizations who voluntarily contribute expertise and independent perspectives that help inform ISSF’s science-based work in global tuna fisheries. The Committee provides advice to the ISSF Board of Directors on issues for consideration before taking action on specific sustainability efforts, including the adoption of ISSF conservation measures. Through this collaborative structure, ISSF helps translate scientific recommendations and stakeholder expertise into practical action across tuna fisheries.

Ms. Rosen, who is currently a Project Director at FishWise, brings deep expertise in seafood traceability, supply chain transparency, and fisheries conservation to the ESC. She succeeds Sara Lewis as FishWise’s representative on the Committee.

“ISSF’s progress depends on bringing industry, scientists, and environmental organizations together around practical, science-based solutions,” said Susan Jackson, ISSF President. “Ms. Rosen’s experience in traceability, fisheries governance, and multi-stakeholder collaboration will contribute valuable expertise that informs ISSF conservation measures and broader efforts to advance transparency and accountability in global tuna fisheries.”

Featured Content

Inside ISSF Accountability
How Science-Based Conservation Measures Are Put Into Practice

ISSF conservation measures help translate scientific recommendations and sustainability priorities into practical action across global tuna fisheries. Implementation is supported through independently audited participating company compliance processes, public reporting, and vessel transparency initiatives that provide visibility into fishing practices and commitments.

As reported in February 2026, ISSF participating companies achieved a 99.62% conformance rate across all applicable ISSF conservation measures — marking the 10th consecutive year above 90% independently audited conformance.

ISSF conservation measures address priorities including bycatch mitigation, transshipment oversight, vessel monitoring and transparency, and traceability expectations. Each ISSF participating company undergoes independent third-party auditing by MRAG Americas, with individual company compliance reports publicly available on the ISSF website.

In February 2026, ISSF announced Conservation Measure 9.2, establishing requirements for third-party social audits at majority-owned or controlled land-based tuna production facilities operated by ISSF participating companies. The measure builds on ISSF’s broader efforts to support transparency, accountability, and independently verified practices across global tuna fisheries and associated supply chains.

Learn More About ISSF Conservation Measure 9.2

Review All ISSF Conservation Measures

Featured Resource

Tools Supporting Transparency Across Tuna Fisheries
PVR and VOSI Provide Public Visibility Into Vessel Practices and Commitments

The PVR includes vessels audited on their compliance with select sustainability measures directly linked to ISSF conservation measures. VOSI complements the PVR by providing visibility into additional vessel practices and sustainability initiatives beyond compliance requirements reflected on the PVR.

In 2025, ISSF redesigned the VOSI platform, expanding the range of best practices tracked — particularly for longline fisheries — including electronic monitoring participation, biodegradable FAD trials, FAD recovery initiatives, and shark conservation practices.

Together, these tools help provide stakeholders with verified, accessible information on vessel-level sustainability practices across global tuna fisheries.

Explore PVR and VOSI

Momentum in Tuna Fisheries | What’s Next for IOTC, Transshipment Oversight, & Global Progress

Written by Lynne Mandel on May 7, 2026. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

ICYMI

Bridging Critical Gaps for Indian Ocean Tuna Fisheries

When the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) convenes this month, it will be building from a period of tangible progress. Recent outcomes, like strengthened FAD management and the adoption of management procedures for key stocks, show what can be achieved when science-based recommendations are translated into action.

The focus now shifts to closing remaining gaps.

As detailed in the ISSF 2026 position statement, two priorities stand out: reinforcing tuna stock conservation through effective harvest strategies, and strengthening bycatch mitigation alongside the monitoring needed to support it.

Read the blog

Featured Content

Benchmarking Transshipment Oversight in Tuna Fisheries

ISSF report highlights progress and next steps for RFMO measures

At-sea transshipment is a common practice in global tuna fisheries, allowing vessels to transfer catch without returning to port. When not effectively monitored and regulated, it can increase the risk of misreporting and illegal fishing activities.

A new ISSF analysis benchmarks how tuna RFMOs manage this activity against the 2022 FAO Voluntary Guidelines — the first global framework for transshipment oversight.

All five tuna RFMOs have established core systems, including vessel authorization, observer coverage, and reporting requirements. No RFMO fully aligns with the FAO Guidelines, and gaps remain in areas such as risk-based oversight, data collection, and verification.

The report identifies practical steps to strengthen these systems, including improved data fields, stronger cross-checking of transshipment and landing information, and better coordination across regions.

Explore the full report

Featured Blog

World Tuna Day: Reflecting on Measurable Progress in Global Tuna Fisheries
World Tuna Day, observed each year on May 2, offers an opportunity to reflect on the state of one of the world’s most important seafood resources. This year also marks a milestone: 10 years since the United Nations formally established World Tuna Day, and more than a decade of sustained, measurable progress in global tuna fisheries.

Tuna fisheries operate in some of the most complex management environments in the world. Tuna are highly migratory species that cross national boundaries, multiple jurisdictions, and governance frameworks, and they are crucial to global food security, livelihoods, and international trade.

Addressing the sustainability challenges associated with tuna has never been the responsibility of any single entity. Progress at a global scale has required long‑term collaboration among scientists, five regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), government agencies, environmental organizations, and seafood companies across the tuna supply chain.

ISSF in the News

World Tuna Day, an increasingly sustainable resource: ISSF, Bermeo Tuna and Tunacons highlight the contribution of their fisheries

Industrias Pesqueras

Skipper Workshops advance practical science-based solutions in tuna fisheries on World Tuna Day 2026

FAO YouTube Channel

Celebrating World Tuna Day | How science-based action is improving tuna fisheries

Written by Lynne Mandel on April 30, 2026. Posted in eNewsletters, News.

ICYMI

ISSF Annual Report Highlights Gains in Tuna Fisheries

ISSF has released its 2025 annual report, Science Driving Measurable Progress, highlighting how sustained, science-based collaboration is delivering results across global tuna fisheries.

As ISSF President Susan Jackson notes in the report, the organization’s role is to connect “what science reveals, what fleets practice, what regulators require, and what the market expects” — ensuring that progress is both credible and sustained.

Read Science Driving Measurable Progress

Featured Content

Bridging Critical Gaps for Indian Ocean Tuna Fisheries

When the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) convenes in May, it will be building from a period of tangible progress. Recent outcomes, like strengthened FAD management and the adoption of management procedures for key stocks, show what can be achieved when science-based recommendations are translated into action.

The focus now shifts to closing remaining gaps.

Read the blog

Featured Resource

Interactive Stock Status and Catch Tool

Explore ISSF’s Interactive Stock Status and Catch Tool to view the latest data on tuna stock health and global catch trends. The tool brings together RFMO data in a clear, accessible format, helping users track how science-based management is shaping outcomes across fisheries.

Explore the data