Question 2

Does your tuna brand use selective fishing methods and control their catch from ship to shelf to minimise environmental impacts?

FISHING METHOD DESCRIPTION SUSTAINABILITY
methods-poleandline Net Free Fishing
methods-tick		 Fish are caught one at a time by hand, using a hook and line. This fishing method does not use nets.
  • Lowest bycatch
  • Best and most environmentally friendly method
  • Quality of fish is increased
  • Recommended by environmental groups
methods-fadfree FAD Free Fishing
methods-tick		 Nets are used on free school tuna.
  • Minimal bycatch
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Recommended by environmental groups
methods-purseandseines&fad Purse – Seine with FADs
methods-cross		 A fish aggregating device (FAD) is inserted into the ocean to attract the tuna. The FAD however also attracts many species of marine life. A large net encircles the area and closes like a purse.
  • Can cause massive bycatch of turtles, sharks and endangered marine life, particularly when used with FADs
  • Not recommended by environmental groups
methods-longlines Long Lines
methods-cross		 Short lines with baited hooks are attached to a longer main line (over 150km long) which is laid on the sea bottom or suspended by floats.
  • Very high level of bycatch
  • Detrimental to sea-birds
  • Not recommended by environmental groups
methods-trawling Trawling
methods-cross		 Marine life is herded into a large funnel shaped net as it is towed through the ocean behind boats.
  • Extremely high level of bycatch
  • Destroys coral reefs as heavy nets are dragged on sea-beds
  • Not recommended by environmental groups
Dredges
methods-cross		 A triangular steel frame and tooth bearing bar that ploughs up the sea-bed. Marine life are caught in heavy netting that joins at the sides and back.
  • One of the most destructive fishing methods – destroys sea-bed habitat and marine life
  • Destroys coral reefs as heavy nets are dragged on sea-beds
  • Not recommended by environmental groups