French tuna association Orthongel launches voluntary fishing standard

A purse seine tuna fishing boat
Orthongel, a French association that represents frozen and deep-frozen tuna fishing firms, has published a new, voluntary responsible fishing standard | Photo courtesy of Gema Alvarez Fernandez/Shutterstock
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Orthongel, as French association representing frozen and deep-frozen tuna-fishing companies, has published a voluntary responsible fishing standard in collaboration with AFNOR, a Paris-based standards organization.

The adoption of the new standard, according to the firm, represents a continuation of the organization’s work to promote sustainable and responsible fishing in France.

The goal of the publication is to offer members a guide to sustainable practices in tuna fishing. The process of creating the new standard was a long and collaborative one, according to Orthongel, and involved numerous industry members before opening to a public consultation. 

"This standard repsrents a major step forward for our industry," Orthongel President Xavier Leduc said. "It provides a clear, rigorous framework for the good practices we’ve been advocating for years.” 

The standard’s three major pillars center around the implementation of systems for monitoring catch and traceability, the integration of non-entangling and biodegradable fish aggregating devices (FADs) and other strategies for protecting sensitive species and environments, and gauranteeing fair and respectful working conditions for crews in line with international standards. 

Orthongel hopes that as the standard is shared and continues evolving, it will provide a framework for responsible sourcing, inspiring similar initiatives, and integrating new technologies.

“Orthongel confirms its determination to be an exemplary player in sustainable fishing, while reinforcing consumer and partner confidence in our products,” Leduc said. 

In English, the official name of the standard is NF V45-076.

The announcement of the new standard comes after Orthongel members achieved Marine Stewardship certification for their Atlantic Ocean skipjack and yellowfin catches in March 2024.


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