A number of tuna giants, including Thai Union Europe, Sapmer and Princes, have teamed together to launch a tuna Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) for the Indian Ocean.

The FIP will work towards meeting the fisheries sustainability standard set by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

The FIP will cover the catches of the three most important commercial tuna species -- skipjack, yellowfin and bigeye -- from around 40 French, Italian, Spanish, Mauritius and Seychelles-flagged purse seine vessels.

Achieving MSC standard would provide credible verification of the sustainability of Indian Ocean tuna fisheries, the companies said.

The confederation of partners comprises representatives of fishing fleets and processors and non-governmental organizations.

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