Ocean Outcomes, Fue Shin FIP designed to combat Taiwanese longline tuna IUU fishing

Ocean Outcomes, a Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.-based nonprofit, recently established a fisheries improvement project (FIP) with Taiwan-based Fue Shin Fishery (FSF) that aims to improve environmental and labor standards on 10 longline tuna vessels in the Indian Ocean.

The wider goal of the FIP is “to improve fishery management strategies, environmental oversight, fishing practices, and crew welfare” on the 10 vessels, which net an annual tuna catch of 1,600 metric tons (MT) according to Ocean Outcomes. 

The FIP covers Indian Ocean albacore, skipjack, bigeye, and yellowfin tuna, with the latter two species having “significant concerns about [their] stock status,” according to the Ocean Outcomes website. If all goes to plan, the long-term objective is for FSF to secure Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification by mid-2028.

“A FIP is by far the most comprehensive strategy to address our environmental, social, and governance needs. Some tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean are severely depleted, human rights at sea require more transparency, and RFMOs [regional fisheries management organizations] need to take precautionary measures to preserve marine biodiversity,” FSF CEO David Huang said.

The FIP is part of a shake-up in the ... 

Photo courtesy of Ocean Outcomes