In what’s been a major achievement, the Fiji Albacore Tuna Long Line fishery has become the first in the world to be awarded the Marine Stewardship Council certification.

The certification is given only to fisheries that are well managed and have been proven to be sustainable.

The certification means means that the fishery has healthy stocks, its impact on the eco-system are minimal and that there are strong management practices in place.

Fiji Tuna Boat Owners Association Secretary Russell Dunham says this is a great achievement.

“It’s a great achievement for the Tuna Boat Owners Association in Fiji which comprises of a number of companies that operate tuna boats in Fiji’s Economic Exclusive Zone. We are what they called the guts of the domestic industry in Fiji and to get the MSC Certification is truly a remarkable achievement.”

Fisheries Permanent Secretary Inoke Wainiqolo has also welcomed the certification.

“It’s a plus and its given us more added responsibility to ensure they are the first and they maintain that and there are other companies here in Fiji that needs to follow suit and we need to see that they go through the same process like others.”

The MSC certification is for the next five years and assurances have been made that all efforts will be made to ensure MSC standards are maintained.