The World Tuna Alliance, a newly formed industry group, plans to "clean up" supply chains for the species with a focus on tackling illegal fishing and improving environmental and social conditions.
According to a press release, the group counts o participation from major retailers and processors such as Ahold Delhaize, METRO, and New England Seafood International, among others. It is affiliated with Friends of Ocean Action, a group of more than 50 global leaders "committed to fast-tracking solutions for a healthy ocean", convened by the World Economic Forum and World Resources Institute, the press release stated.
Members of the alliance will pledge to source tuna from Global Seafood Sustainability Initiative-certified fisheries or those with "comprehensive" fishery improvement projects.
"They are also called to engage with Regional Fisheries Management Organizations to push countries to endorse ambitious policies underpinning sustainability and respect for universal human rights, like the Port State Measures Agreement which will block vessels seeking entry to a port different from their flag state," the group said.
The alliance will be headed by Tom Pickerell, a veteran of groups such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Seafish, WWF and the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership.