Accra: The Ghana Tuna Association (GTA) has successfully secured certification for its purse seine and pole-and-line tuna fleets as sustainable, meeting the globally recognised standards established by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). This achievement is poised to address the increasing demand for sustainably sourced tuna.
According to Ghana News Agency, the MSC is an international non-profit organisation known for setting global standards for sustainable fishing and the seafood supply chain. In November 2024, the CAPSEN and Grand Bleu fishery, operating off Senegal's coast, became the first in western Africa to receive MSC certification.
The MSC's statement, which was reviewed by the Ghana News Agency, detailed that the assessments conducted by Control Union (UK) Limited involved a rigorous and independent evaluation of the fisheries' ecosystem impacts, stock health, and management practices. The certification of GTA's fleets demonstrates the potential of fisheries that choose to follow scientific guidance and international best practices.
The fleets operate in the Atlantic High Seas and the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Benin, and Liberia, focusing on skipjack and yellowfin tuna. Catches are landed at the ports of Accra and Tema, known as Ghana's trade gateways.
The MSC highlighted that both fisheries have comprehensive management plans regarding the use of fish aggregating devices (FADs), adhering to guidelines and conservation measures from the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF). The industry has invested significantly in training programs for skippers and fishers, developing strategies for endangered, threatened, and protected species, and enhancing data collection and monitoring to ensure responsible fishing practices.
Mr. Michael Marriott, MSC's Program Director for Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, emphasized that MSC certification goes beyond being a label sought by seafood buyers and consumers globally. It serves as recognition for fishers who are committed to improving their environmental practices.
Mr. Frank Aihoon, President of the GTA, expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting it as a significant milestone for the Ghanaian tuna industry and the country's seafood sector. He acknowledged the dedication and support of the association's members, industry stakeholders, improvement project partners, and management authorities, all of whom played a crucial role in attaining MSC certification.
Mr. Aihoon affirmed that meeting this internationally recognised benchmark demonstrates their strong commitment to sustainability, the ongoing development of the Ghana tuna industry, and their responsibility to ensure a healthier ocean for future generations.