International Seafood Sustainability Foundation

ISSF wiki logo

International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) is a global partnership among scientists, the tuna industry, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) aimed at promoting the long-term conservation and sustainable use of tuna stocks, reducing bycatch and promoting ecosystem health. Established in 2009, the ISSF works towards these goals through science-based initiatives, improvement of fishing practices, and stakeholder collaboration.

History

The ISSF was founded as a response to growing concerns over the sustainability of tuna fisheries worldwide. The foundation was created through a unique partnership between scientists, major tuna processors, and the WWF, recognizing the need for a collaborative approach to address the challenges facing tuna stocks and the broader marine environment.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the ISSF is to undertake science-based initiatives for the sustainable management of global tuna fisheries, reduce bycatch and improve the health of the marine ecosystem. Its goals include:

• Ensuring the long-term conservation and sustainable use of tuna stocks
• Reducing bycatch and waste in tuna fisheries
• Improving the ecosystem impact of tuna fisheries
• Promoting science-based management of tuna resources
• Enhancing the traceability and responsible sourcing of tuna

Initiatives and Programs

The ISSF conducts a wide range of initiatives and programs aimed at achieving its mission:

• Bycatch Mitigation: Developing and promoting practices and technologies that reduce the incidental catch of non-target species in tuna fisheries.
• Stock Management: Supporting the development and implementation of science-based management measures for tuna fisheries.
• Data Collection and Reporting: Enhancing the collection, reporting, and analysis of fisheries data to improve management decisions.
• Capacity Management: Working towards the effective management of fishing capacity to ensure sustainable fish stocks.
• Eco-Labeling and Certification: Promoting responsible fishing practices through eco-labeling and certification schemes.

Collaboration and Partnerships

The ISSF collaborates with a range of stakeholders, including fisheries management organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and the tuna industry. These partnerships are crucial for the foundation's work, enabling it to leverage expertise, resources, and influence to achieve its objectives.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its efforts, the ISSF faces challenges and criticisms, including concerns over the effectiveness of voluntary industry commitments, the transparency of its operations, and the need for more comprehensive regulatory measures to ensure sustainable tuna fisheries.

Conclusion

The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation plays a critical role in the global effort to ensure the sustainability of tuna stocks and the health of marine ecosystems. Through its science-based approach, collaborative initiatives, and commitment to sustainable practices, the ISSF contributes to the responsible management of one of the world's most important fishery resources. 0