Australia’s first certified sustainable tuna coming soon
A family-run fishing business on the Sunshine Coast has become the first Australian tuna fishery to achieve
certification to the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) standard for sustainable fishing.
Walker Seafoods’ yellowfin and albacore tuna, along with its swordfish catch become the first of these species caught in
Australia to receive the world-renowned MSC blue tick of sustainability.
Heidi Walker of Walker Seafoods is excited about the opportunities and new markets the MSC certification will open up
for the Australian business.
“We’re a family business and we’re passionate about keeping the marine environment healthy so we can keep fishing for
generations to come. With the MSC blue ecolabel we can now scientifically prove that we’re doing our bit to keep fish
populations and marine ecosystems healthy,” said Mrs Walker.
“Achieving the MSC Standard will open up new markets for us in Europe where demand for MSC certified fish is high and
will also help feed the growing demand for sustainable and transparent sources of seafood in Australia” she noted
MSC Asia Pacific Director, Patrick Caleo is celebrating the fishery’s commitment and efforts towards achieving the
standard.
“With Walker Seafoods achieving the MSC Standard, Australians can now enjoy locally caught certified sustainable tuna
and swordfish for the first time in this part of the world,” said Mr Caleo.
The line-caught fleet, managed by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), has undergone a third-party independent assessment, where a team of scientists have examined the fishery and
determined that it meets the MSC Standard.
“Congratulations to Walker Seafoods for stepping up and adding this extra layer of confidence for consumers in verifying
their sustainability credentials with this scientific and rigorous assessment process” said Mr Caleo.
“Chefs want fresh, local and sustainable products and MSC certification gives them the confirmation that the
sustainability of what they serve is backed up by scientific evidence. Yellowfin, albacore and swordfish are species
that chefs love to work with, and Aussies love to eat. Walker’s certification opens up a new range of sustainable
options for Australia’s forward thinking chefs and restaurateurs” he added
Walker Seafoods now joins seven other Australian fisheries that can proudly use the MSC ecolabel.
ENDS