- Certifier :
- SCS Global Services
- Certified status :
- Certified with Unit(s) in Assessment
- Certified since :
- 12 Jul 2016
- Certificate expires :
- 08 Jun 2026
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) | 2024 | 457 |
| Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) | 2024 | 14,945 |
| Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) | 2024 | 14,423 |
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
This fishery is run by international producer Tri Marine, whose eight vessels in the area target skipjack and yellowfin tuna.
Skipjack are a highly productive tuna exhibiting great variability in life history characteristics. They grow up to a metre in length, and gather in surface shoals of up to 50,000 individuals. They reproduce at a greater rate than other species of tuna, and are responsible for more than half the world tuna harvest.
Yellowfin are fast-moving and wide-ranging pelagic predators. They spend the majority of time in the top 100m, but make occasional deep dives to much greater depths. They are one of the larger species, reaching weights above 180kg, but often mix with other tuna. Schools of small yellowfin and skipjack are common.
In 2013 purse seiners in this fishery produced 14,203 tonnes of skipjack and 10,446 tonnes of yellowfin; while pole and line accounted for 1,389 tonnes of skipjack and 277 tonnes of yellowfin.
Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) image © Scandinavian Fishing Year Book
Market Information
Most of the catch goes as frozen cooked tuna loins or is canned for the EU market.