- Certifier :
- Control Union (UK) Limited
- Certified status :
- Withdrawn
- Certified since :
- 07 Sep 2017
- Certificate expires :
- 06 Mar 2023
Overview
Fisheries are composed of one or more parts, each of which is entitled to receive an MSC certificate. These parts or “units” are defined by their target stock(s), fishing gear type(s) and if relevant vessel type(s), and the fishing fleets or groups of vessels.
When the term “Unit of Certification” is used for fishing units that are in assessment, it refers to the “Unit of Assessment” or “Unit of potential certification”. Expand a status below to view the parts that form this fishery. To check the detailed scope, download the latest certificate or open the Assessments page to get the latest report. Find out more by visiting our page on Fisheries
Catch by Species
| Species | Reported Catch Year | Metric Tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) | 2019 | 9,629 |
| Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) | 2021 | 88,491 |
Information is provided by an independent Conformity Assessment Body as live weight (the weight of species at the time of catch, before processing) and where a fishing season covers multiple years, the end year is given as the reported catch year. Additional information is available in the latest report, see the assessments page.
About this Fishery
The Northeastern Tropical Pacific Purse Seine yellowfin and skipjack tuna fishery achieved MSC certification in 2017 following a two-year, detailed assessment. The fishery is managed by the Pacific Alliance for Sustainable Tuna (PAST) comprised of four leaders in the Mexican tuna industry: Grupomar, Herdez del Fuerte, Pesca Azteca, and Procesa.
Each team of fishermen works proactively to minimize impact on the ocean ecosystem including aiming for 100% live release of all non-target species. Their efforts include using a specially designed net that incorporates a fine mesh safety panel, known as the ‘Medina Panel,’ which allows non-tuna species to swim clear of the net. The industry also employs highly specialized and trained divers to assist any remaining dolphins with escaping the net prior to lifting the net.
The fishery operates in compliance with all requirements of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC), the Regional Fishery Management Organization. Importantly, the fishing fleet adheres to the Agreement on International Dolphin Conservation Program (AIDCP), a legally binding multilateral agreement between fishing nations within the IATTC with conservation objectives. The AIDCP was awarded the Margarita Lizárraga Medalby the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 2005 for its “unqualified success” in protecting dolphins and ensuring the sustainability of fishing in the EPO.
Find out more about this fishery:
News release: Pacific Alliance for Sustainable Tuna earns MSC certification >
Download: factsheet and timeline >
Blog post: A Mexican milestone for tuna >
Market Information
In 2013, preliminary figures show that PAST caught 97,538 tonnes of yellowfin and 12,393 tonnes of skipjack. PAST supplies domestic and foreign markets.