A measure to prevent shark finning passed by the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) early this year is now in effect.
The measure, adopted in February, requires ISSF members to adopt written policies that prohibit shark finning.
Shark finning violates the Food and Agriculture Organization’s code of conduct for responsible fisheries, said the ISSF. By September, ISSF members must refrain from transactions with vessels that participate in shark finning or with vessel owners that do not have a public policy prohibiting the practice.
“Building sustainable tuna fisheries requires consideration for non-tuna species,” said Susan Jackson, ISSF president. “This measure calls on the tuna industry as a whole to apply the necessary pressure on vessel owners to end this practice while we engage RFMO member nations to establish effective enforcement measures.”
ISSF members include Bolton Alimentari, Bumble Bee Foods, StarKist Co.; Thai Union Frozen Products, Princes Ltd., TriMarine International and Sealord. The group was established in 2009.
