The Decision: A Tuna Fishery's Quest for Sustainability

Summary

The video follows Echebastar, a Spanish tuna fishing company, on its challenging journey to achieve MSC certification for sustainable fishing. It highlights the complex processes involved, from meeting strict environmental standards to overcoming objections from NGOs. The company uses innovative practices, such as biodegradable Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), to reduce environmental impact and protect non-target species. Echebastar's perseverance in improving its fishing practices sets an example for the industry, demonstrating that sustainability is not only possible but essential for the future of fisheries. Their success serves as a model for sustainable tuna fisheries worldwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sustainable fishing is essential but challenging, requiring collaboration between fishers, scientists, industry, and NGOs.
• 😀 Echebastar, a Spanish tuna fishery, faced significant challenges but eventually achieved MSC certification after two failed attempts.
• 😀 Certification for sustainability can be costly, but it is the only way to ensure long-term environmental and business viability.
• 😀 Achieving sustainable fishing standards requires meeting three key principles: maintaining healthy fish populations, minimizing environmental impact, and adhering to regulations.
• 😀 MSC certification is a rigorous process, and objections from stakeholders, including NGOs, can complicate the certification journey.
• 😀 The use of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) in tuna fishing has raised concerns due to their potential negative impact on non-target species, such as sharks and rays.
• 😀 Echebastar invested in technology and better management practices to reduce the environmental impact of FADs, including creating biodegradable and non-entangling FADs.
• 😀 Achieving MSC certification with FADs was a breakthrough, demonstrating that, when done responsibly, FAD fishing can be sustainable.
• 😀 After obtaining certification, fisheries like Echebastar are required to continue improving their practices and meeting best practice standards through ongoing commitments.
• 😀 The legacy of Echebastar's journey is an example of how the fishing industry can change and adapt to ensure sustainability while maintaining profitability and quality.

Q & A

Why is sustainable fishing important, according to the script?

Sustainable fishing is crucial for the long-term health of the planet's marine ecosystems. The failure to act sustainably can have prohibitively expensive consequences for the environment, affecting fish populations, marine biodiversity, and the overall balance of ocean ecosystems.

What challenges did Echebastar face in obtaining MSC certification?

Echebastar faced several challenges in obtaining MSC certification, including disagreements over harvest control rules and concerns regarding the use of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). Their first certification attempt failed due to these issues, but they continued to improve their practices and eventually succeeded in the second attempt.

What is the role of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in sustainable fishing?

The MSC sets a standard for sustainable fishing by using science and best practices to ensure fish populations are managed sustainably, environmental impacts are minimized, and fisheries adhere to local and global regulations. They also facilitate audits and ensure that fisheries continue improving their practices.

What are Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), and why are they controversial?

Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) are floating objects used by fishers to attract tuna. While they mimic natural behaviors that attract fish, FADs are controversial because they can capture non-target species, including endangered marine life like sharks and rays. They may also contribute to marine pollution due to their materials, which aren't always biodegradable.

How did Echebastar address concerns about the sustainability of FAD fishing?

Echebastar worked on improving the management of FAD fishing by developing better practices. They invested in technology to minimize the impact on non-target species, ensuring that fishers could release these species alive. Additionally, they focused on using biodegradable and non-entangling materials for FADs to reduce ocean plastic.

What did Echebastar do to meet MSC's sustainability standards after their first failed certification attempt?

After their first failed attempt, Echebastar worked hard to improve their practices, focusing on creating more sustainable FADs and developing better management strategies. They also addressed the concerns raised by NGOs and stakeholders and committed to continuous improvement, eventually receiving MSC certification in their second attempt.

What is the significance of the harvest control rules in sustainable fishing?

Harvest control rules are critical in ensuring that the right amount of fish is caught each year, allowing fish populations to replenish and remain healthy. These rules were a key point of contention in Echebastar's first certification attempt, as the regional management body had not yet agreed on them.

Why is it important for NGOs and other stakeholders to be involved in the MSC assessment process?

Involving NGOs and other stakeholders ensures a transparent, participative process that can help identify issues, challenge assessments, and ensure that fisheries are truly meeting sustainability standards. This multi-stakeholder approach helps maintain the integrity and credibility of the certification process.

How does the MSC certification impact the future of fisheries like Echebastar?

MSC certification provides fisheries like Echebastar with the credibility and recognition necessary to operate sustainably, which is increasingly important as fish stocks come under pressure. It also opens up more profitable markets while encouraging continuous improvements in fishing practices.

What role does transparency play in sustainable fishing, as demonstrated by Echebastar?

Transparency is essential in sustainable fishing, and Echebastar has embraced this by making all their data and catches publicly available. This openness allows for better management of marine resources, fosters trust with stakeholders, and contributes to global efforts to improve fishing practices.