The increase in global Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) is delivering significant progress towards achieving sustainability benchmarks for some of the world’s largest fisheries -- and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration. Hard work is now well underway across the globe to make more sustainable tuna available on retailers’ shelves.

Despite this, negative perceptions around some of our fisheries continue to linger.

Rather than focusing entirely on the work yet to be completed, perhaps we should acknowledge the real progress that has been made, and recognize the shift in mindset at fisheries across the globe that has already delivered a real willingness to see sustainability levels improve even further.

FIPs are a driving force for sustainable tuna

Earlier this year, Princes announced that over 90 percent of the tuna used in our brands, across all territories, is now responsibly sourced. This is a step change in performance compared to recent years, and demonstrates the scale of work underway in tuna fisheries to pursue sustainability.

Our responsible sources are pole-and-line, FAD-free fisheries, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified fisheries and most significantly from those that are now within Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) with the end goal of attaining MSC certification.

We have also set ourselves the target that all of the tuna within our brands will be either from a FIP, or MSC-certified, by the end of 2019.

Ultimately, we see MSC certification as the end goal. Why? Simply put, our view is that MSC is the only option on the table that offers independent, scientific evaluation of a fishery across three key areas: that stocks are plentiful; environmental impacts are minimized, and the fishery is well managed (meaning it can take action quickly and effectively should issues be encountered).

The certification goes well beyond the assumption that method of catch is king, and offers a tangible financial incentive for fisheries to improve and attain certification due to the premium attached to MSC fish.

Ultimately, if we as an industry are to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal on ‘Life below Water’ pursuit of the MSC standard will be crucial.

Global fisheries meeting the sustainability challenge

From the first 14 percent of global fisheries certified to MSC, or in assessment, we can take the message that the "low hanging fruit" has now been taken.

It’s fair to say that the great majority of fisheries certified to the MSC standard are in parts of the world where good fisheries management has historically been in place -- around 85 percent of certified fisheries are in the northern hemisphere while fisheries in the southern hemisphere may still lack capacity to implement sustainable fisheries management.

Thai Union, Bolton: Partnerships, new fishing methods key to tuna sustainability

The tricky part (but also, the prize that is really worth pursuing) is getting the next tranche of fisheries up to the MSC standard.

Purse seine tuna fisheries firmly fit into this area: They are in the tropics -- far away from the temperate waters where the bulk of existing MSC certifications have been awarded and they involve multiple coastal states and distant water as well as local fleets.

In many cases now, however, they have fleets that want to work together with processors and governments to reduce their environmental impact and better manage stocks.

Collaboration is key to achieving total sustainability

When FIPs are developed in a credible manner -- i.e., when they are time-bound, have sufficient financial and other resources provided, involve all the key interests in the fishery, work to an action plan that is centred around the achievement of the MSC standard, and transparently report on progress -- they represent the key means by which the purse seine industry can drive progress.

As an example, Princes is a founder member of SIOTI -- the Sustainable Indian Ocean Tuna Initiative -- where we are working with other processors, vessel owners, government agencies and WWF to improve the fishery and ultimately pursue MSC certification.

Who eats tuna for breakfast?

Within the Indian Ocean there are numerous examples of fleets that have already taken significant action and raised the bar in terms of engagement, commitment and investment.

Fleets such as Echebastar have set an example to fisheries and other stakeholders worldwide, showcasing their intent through their work to ensure 100 percent observer coverage 24/7, training of skippers and crew to minimize bycatch, and the installation of conveyor belts to return live bycatch back to the sea.

This drive to meet the MSC standard is something that as an industry we all need to back unequivocally. This drive is not simply limited to consumer facing brands or retailers, but integral to the whole supply chain.

We must all come together and appreciate the challenge facing fisheries and their commitment to overcoming these, and provide support -- whether through direct involvement with FIPs or encouragement through wider industry initiatives.

The prize on offer is clear: Helping 20-30 percent of the world’s fisheries attain certification in the next decade will spread sustainable fisheries management around the world and benefit the industry as a whole.

Chris Shearlock is fish sustainability manager at United Kingdom-headquartered Princes Limited.