French Tuna industry players unite to promote sustainable tuna fishing practices

France – French tuna retailers are joining forces to support sustainable tuna fishing in a campaign launched by the Global Tuna Alliance (GTA) in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).

This initiative aims to strengthen sustainable practices within the tuna industry, particularly focusing on the Indian Ocean, where tuna stocks are currently unprotected and at risk of overfishing.

The GTA is particularly focused on the Indian Ocean tuna stocks, which are vulnerable to overfishing.

The Alliance is planning discussions with the IOTC to address these concerns. Daniel Suddaby, Executive Director of the GTA, confirms that the Alliance will meet with the IOTC this month to further these discussions.

More than 40% of the French distribution market is participating in this campaign.

Key retailers such as Les Mousquetaires, Système U, Lidl, Casino, and METRO’s French stores are taking part in the effort.

The GTA has developed a ‘Complementary Module’ specifically for its French distribution partners, which provides detailed surveys on canned tuna sourcing down to the vessel level. 

This module enables business agents to identify and mitigate potential risks in their supply chains, leading to more efficient and sustainable decision-making.

Eloïse Fagot, Partnerships and Operations Manager for the GTA, expresses her pride in the French retailers’ enthusiasm and commitment to sustainability in the tuna supply chain.

“As a French citizen, I am truly proud to see such enthusiasm and commitment from our leading retailers to embrace sustainability in the tuna supply chain through the Complementary Module,” Fagot says.

Through this collaborative effort, French retailers and the GTA are taking significant steps to promote sustainable tuna fishing practices, aiming to ensure the long-term viability of tuna stocks and support responsible fishing practices globally.

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