In an historic first, the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association (ASBTIA) has had their purse seine fishery certified as sustainable to the MSC standard - a significant milestone for a sought-after species once severely overfished.
The historic achievement by ASBTIA highlights the success of long-term, science-based fisheries management, international cooperation, and vigorous quota enforcement. It also reflects the remarkable recovery of Southern Bluefin tuna caught off Australia, which has now been removed from Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) list of threatened species.
The announcement was praised by Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, who acknowledged industry’s role in achieving both environmental and economic outcomes: “Environmental conservation and sustainable industry go hand in hand - and Aussie industry is world beating. The Australian tuna fishing industry has done such terrific work that the Southern bluefin tuna population is now healthy.”
Southern Bluefin Tuna plays a key economic role in Port Lincoln, South Australia, and is prized globally for its quality and rich flavour — especially in high-end Japanese sushi and sashimi markets.
With MSC certification, the fishery now meets the growing demand for eco-labelled, sustainably sourced seafood, offering global buyers and consumers' confidence in its sustainability credentials.
“With its successful MSC certification, the Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery is now recognised as one of the most sustainable fishing operations in the world. This certification is not just a badge of honour but proof that sustainable fishing practices can reverse environmental challenges,” said Anne Gabriel, MSC Program Director, Oceania and Singapore.
The MSC’s independent assessment evaluates fisheries on stock health, ecosystem impact, and management. ASBTIA’s certification is a beacon for what’s possible when science guides industry practice.
ASBTIA CEO Daniel Casement welcomed the certification as a milestone for the industry: “It is hugely rewarding to be certified against the MSC standard, the world's most recognised eco-label.
This is recognition for decades of innovation, commitment to conserving Southern Bluefin Tuna, and developing as a global leader in tuna production.”
He added, “Being the first Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery in the world to achieve this... is humbling yet fills us full of excitement as to what is still ahead of us with MSC certification as our platform for industry, market, and product development.”