We are pleased to share Continuously Improving Global Tuna Fishery Sustainability — ISSF’s Strategic Plan for 2023–2027, and the third strategic plan in our history.
ISSF’s objective is to continuously improve the sustainability of global tuna fisheries and the ecosystems that support them to result in those fisheries meeting and maintaining the MSC certification standard.
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We achieve this through:
We’ll implement our plan through those core focus areas, or what we call our “Strategic Pillars” — Science, Verification, and Influence. Read our press release about the new five-year plan. |
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ISSF THEORY OF CHANGE
The 2023-2027 Strategic Plan outlines ISSF’s Theory of Change for the first time.
ISSF is a science-driven organization focused on the continuous improvement of global tuna fishery sustainability. We seek to achieve this by:
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Advancing tuna fisheries science so that efforts to improve the sustainability of global tuna fisheries are grounded in science.
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Implementing direct industry improvements, verifiably implemented by participating companies, via conservation management measures and voluntary actions.
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Providing scientific guidance and tools that support tuna fisheries in meeting and maintaining the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification standard.
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Working with, and advocating to, Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) to require and implement improvements in science and management.
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Partnering with supportive organizations and experts to drive further action and improvement.
It’s important to note that:
- ISSF advocacy to RFMOs is grounded in what the best current science requires.
- Simultaneously, ISSF continuously works to improve the science.
- The intended result of our efforts is the adoption & implementation of science-based management measures by industry and RFMOs.
- We recognize that comprehensive and sustainable management requires continuous improvement.
ISSF FIVE-YEAR GOAL
Our objective in the new strategic plan is that by the end of 2027, all tuna fisheries from which ISSF participating companies source can:
Meet and maintain the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification standard*
OR
There is a clear roadmap and timetable in place to meet this standard that is underpinned by the best-available science.
*ISSF will seek to achieve conformance with MSC’s then-current performance indicators at an 80 score level, which is sufficient for certification of a fishery without conditions.
Annual Report
Science Leads the Way explores ISSF’s research, outreach, and other achievements in 2024.
Support Our Work
Interested in helping to fund ISSF’s sustainability research and programs? Individuals can make secure donations on this site.
We also welcome discussions with charitable foundations that would like to learn more about our work. Contact us at [email protected].
MSC Fishery Certification
As more fisheries worldwide become capable of meeting the Marine Stewardship Council standards, the global seafood supply chain will become more traceable and sustainable.
