By Sasha Pei-Silovo – EM TV Online
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the South Pacific Tuna Corporation and PNAO/Pacifical, the marketing arm of the eight island nations Party to the Nauru Agreement (PNA).
PNA nations include Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Palau, and Tuvalu.
The MoU is for the suppling of tuna; that meets Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standards.
South Pacific Tuna Corporation supports the economic and social development of PNA nations; and this can be seen through the continuous highlighting of the origin of PNA MSC-certified tuna. When reaching consumers, the Pacifical logo will be displayed on all eligible raw material caught by South Pacific Tuna vessels, with a link to the region.
The use of the logo is a representation of the company’s ongoing commitment to PNA nations, and the people of these countries. It is also a show of appreciation for the opportunities given to manage, and preserve the oceans ecosystem for the future.
“As world leaders in tuna conservation and management, this is a great development. We look forward to working closely with The Global Fleets in promoting tuna that is sustainably harvested in our waters to ensure that we will have a continued supply for future generations,” said Maurice Brownjohn, Commercial Manager of PNA fisheries.
The deal strengthens South Pacific Tuna Corporation’s commitment to harvesting tuna from the seas of the PNA nations whilst keeping the highest quality and sustainability standards.
The company administers the operation and management of 14 ‘Global Fleets-owned’ US flag tuna vessels; Sea Global Fisheries LLC, Pacific Global LLC and Global Fisheries LLC.
A United Stated-based tuna vessel management company – South Pacific Tuna Corporation (SPTC) has its headquarters in San Diego, California.
“Our 14 U.S. tuna flag vessels fish in the Western Pacific and supply tuna to many of the industry’s most recognizable seafood brands, including Bumble Bee Foods, Chicken of the Sea, and StarKist.”
“This MOU makes us the first among the U.S. Distant Water Tuna Fleet to make a public commitment to sustainable fishing practices as certified by the Marine Stewardship Council—including effective management and minimal environmental impact. It is not only a commitment to the PNA Countries, but to their customers and consumers throughout the world. This is truly a first step in creating an Ocean to Table project,” said J Douglas Hines, South Pacific Tuna Corporation Executive Director, and Global Fleets partner.
The Global Fleets, according to Hines, have, for a long time, “embraced sustainable fishing practises in action” as opposed to just following theory.
It took a year to bring The Global Fleets under Pacifical, and the MOU, as stressed by Hines, is not the outcome of actions by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) but rather a proven committed by all stakeholders to the provision of the highest conservation standards in tuna being supplied through the eight Pacific nations, under the Parties to Nauru Agreement (PNA).
