For many years now, we’ve aimed to weave responsible fishing into the DNA of our business, recognizing that it benefits all of our stakeholders. For our valued customers, knowing that we’re committed to responsible fishing affords peace of mind that you’re making the right purchasing decision for your family and the environment. The truth is, it affords us peace of mind, too! After all, we want to see future generations grow up in a world that’s as rich and beautiful as the one we experienced. Responsible fishing is also good for fishermen and other stakeholders along the supply chain because it ensures fish populations remain at sustainable levels and the industry can continue to operate. In short, we believe everything is interconnected and feel that it’s important to play our part.
Responsible Fishing Isn’t Just About Tuna
While ensuring that fish populations remain at sustainable levels is an important part of responsible fishing, we look beyond tuna. We feel it’s important to protect other vulnerable species as well, using responsible fishing methods to minimize and prevent bycatch. This keeps more turtles, dolphins, and other important marine species in the ocean.
Responsible Fishing Methods
To protect tuna populations from being depleted and other species from being harmed, the fisheries we work with use three main fishing methods:
Pole & Line Fishing
Simple and effective, pole and line fishing employs a single line and hook attached to a single pole. This method is rated by conservation groups as the most environmentally friendly fishing method.
Purse Seine Fishing
Used in open water to target dense schools of pelagic fish, the purse seine method uses a vertical net to surround schools. The bottom of the net is drawn together to enclose the fish.
Purse seine fishing can be done in two different ways: with the use of fish aggregating devices (FADs) and without. In simple terms, a FAD is a floating object that attracts fish. Typically, FADs are bamboo rafts with nets hanging underneath or floating logs. FAD-free purse seine vessels simply fish on free swimming schools of tuna to avoid catching untargeted species. Though the fisheries we work with use both methods, they are all certified sustainable by and meet the stringent standards of the Marine Stewardship Council, or MSC.
Longline Fishing with Circle Hooks
Longline fishing involves deploying a main line with baited hooks attached on branch lines at regular intervals. Using floats, these lines are suspended at predetermined depths targeting fish in deeper waters. This minimizes the risk of catching untargeted species, like birds and turtles.
Our Partners
We couldn’t fulfill our commitment to responsible fishing without strong partners, like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the International Pole and Line Foundation (IPLNF), and the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI). From certifying sustainable fisheries to developing pole-and-line fisheries to cleaning up abandoned fishing gear, these organizations do an incredible amount of good. More importantly, they help Ocean’s to be better too.
Visit our sustainability page to learn more about our partners and the responsible fishing methods used by Ocean’s fisheries.