Indian Ocean fishing company bags MSC certification

French tuna purse-seiner operator Compagnie Française du Thon Océanique (CFTO) has been awarded Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for its Indian Ocean skipjack tuna catches.

The certification covers an eight-vessel operation based in the Seychelles and fishing in the EEZs of Seychelles, Mauritius, Mayotte, the French Southern Antarctic Territories (TAAF), and in international waters. The total annual catch for the fishery is roughly 30,000 tons.

“This certification highlights the changes driven by the company, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, NGOs, and scientists to improve management of skipjack tuna fishing in this area. This is a strong positive signal for securing sustainable skipjack,” MSC France Director Margaux Favret said.

The certification and assessment process was carried out by Control Union UK Ltd. and applies to purse-seine fishing on free schools of tuna and FADs, to be monitored annually over a period of five years. The skipjack tuna stock in the Indian Ocean is considered to be in strong condition.

Read original article at SeaFoodSource