John West, one of Australia’s largest canned fish manufacturers, has announced it will be banning the use of fish-aggregating devices (FADs) by 2015, a move that drew praise from environmental activist group Greenpeace.
“John West has joined the growing ranks of progressive tuna companies around the world who are providing consumers with the sustainable tuna they demand,” Greenpeace International Oceans Campaigner Oliver Knowles said. “It’s an increasingly brave CEO who stubbornly refuses to stop sourcing from destructive fishing, risking lasting brand damage as they are left behind by other brands that are determined to make their products sustainable.”
The company, in a statement on its website regarding its commitment to sustainable fishing, said the devices, currently used in conjunction with purse seine fishing nets, will be phased out by 2015. The company may still use purse seine nets, but without the devices, and in addition to pole and line fishing, a practice that groups such as Greenpeace encourage.
“Sustainability is a journey that we embarked on many years ago and is something that we are passionate about,” John West’s statement read. “We will continue to work toward improving the sustainability of our seafood products in order to reach our 2015 goal.”
Greenpeace, in a statement, said the group, starting in late October, has been campaigning against John West’s use of FADs, and drawing public support.
“In six weeks 20,000 Australians have demanded John West respect fisheries science and change their tuna,” said Greenpeace Australia Pacific Oceans Campaigner Nathaniel Pelle. “By committing to genuine sustainable fishing, they have done exactly that. This is a win for consumers and a win for the oceans. It shows when Australians take action together, we can bring about real change.”
