84% of tuna sourcing comes from certified fisheries or improvement programs – Thai Union

THAILAND – Thai Union Group has reported that 84% of the tuna it purchases globally now comes from fisheries certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or from fisheries participating in active Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs).

The update was provided as part of the company’s latest briefing to investors and market analysts outlining progress under its responsible sourcing programme for canned and ready-to-eat seafood products.

According to the company, the figure covers major commercial tuna species including skipjack, yellowfin, and bigeye tuna sourced through its international supply network.

The company said the latest milestone forms part of efforts to improve traceability throughout its tuna supply chain as retailers in Europe and North America continue to place greater emphasis on documented sourcing practices.

To support traceability, Thai Union has expanded the use of electronic monitoring systems on fishing vessels and implemented digital weighing technologies at processing facilities located in Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The company stated that these systems are intended to strengthen product tracking and maintain separation between batches from the point of harvest through processing and final packaging.

At the fishery level, Thai Union reported ongoing involvement in projects across the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific aimed at improving fishing practices and reducing environmental impacts.

The company said it is working with vessel operators and government agencies to promote the use of non-entangling and biodegradable fish aggregating devices, commonly known as FADs.

These devices are designed to reduce interactions with non-target marine species such as sharks and sea turtles that can be affected during tuna fishing operations.

Thai Union added that implementation of the FAD transition programme is supported through dedicated funding and subject to periodic reviews conducted by independent auditors.

While sustainability initiatives and monitoring systems require additional investment, the company said access to certified tuna supplies helps maintain stable sourcing channels and supports customer requirements in key export markets.

The company also indicated that demand for verified seafood products continues to influence procurement standards among major retail customers, particularly in developed markets.

The update forms part of Thai Union’s broader SeaChange 2030 strategy, which includes commitments related to fishery improvement projects, marine ecosystem restoration, and reducing emissions across its supply chain.

Company executives stated that the long-term availability of seafood products depends on maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and improving fishery management in regions that supply global seafood markets.

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