The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) longline yellowfin tuna fishery has been certified against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries standard, a global third-party certification standard and market-based program that recognises and rewards sustainable fishing practices.

The fishery comprises vessels owned by Liancheng Overseas Fishery (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd (SZLC), China Southern Fishery Shenzhen Co. Ltd (CSFC) and Liancheng Overseas Fishery (FSM) Co. Ltd. (FZLC).

The FSM fishery joins a leading group of more than 350 MSC certified fisheries worldwide that are helping to ensure healthy marine ecosystems for this and future generations.  Achieving MSC certification brings global recognition to this fishery’s efforts.

The assessment was undertaken over 12 months by independent auditor Control Union Pesca, involving an in-country visit, stakeholder consultations, and extensive review of the fishery’s stock status, environmental impact, and management. 

Anne Gabriel, MSC Oceania Program Director says: “Certification of this Pacific tuna fishery is welcome news as it represents growing supply and demand for MSC certified sustainable tuna towards long term resilient and healthy oceans. The fishery will continue to make improvements to meet the conditions set for it to remain certified. As an international science and evidence-based program, the MSC is an effective mechanism in transforming fisheries around the world to sustainable practices, while ensuring there is growing market demand to incentivise positive change on the waters.”

All fisheries in the MSC program undergo annual surveillance audits to ensure they are meeting the high standards set by the MSC, including conditions placed on certification.

Samuel Chou, Liancheng Overseas Fishery (FSM) Co. Ltd. President says: “We are extremely proud to achieve this very significant achievement and to be a part of the MSC program.  We believe that along with our other MSC certifications Liancheng now has more MSC longline certifications than any other tuna fleet, and we remain dedicated to continuing our efforts to upgrade all our fisheries currently in fishery improvement projects to MSC status.”

The Federated States of Micronesia has a population of 105,000 people and comprises 600 islands in the Western Pacific Ocean. Fish and seafood products make up more than 95% of export commodities for the country, highlighting the importance of maintaining a sustainable fishing industry.

Mr Eugene Pangelinan, National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (NORMA) Director says: “Achieving MSC certification demonstrates our commitment to a sustainable fishery. We congratulate Liancheng for their achievement and we hope that this certification will generate more interest in joining our efforts to develop our longline fishery for the benefit of all stakeholders”

The fishery produced 745 tonnes of yellowfin tuna in 2016. 

Worldwide more than 1 million metric tonnes of tuna caught per year is MSC certified, representing around 25% of the global tuna catch.