A new study published in npj Ocean Sustainability, led by Sustainability Incubator and jointly funded by Humanity United and The Freedom Fund, raises serious questions about the claims behind the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) ecolabel on tuna. The research analysed data from over 3,000 vessels fishing for certified tuna and found that most vessel owners remain anonymous, making labour conditions untraceable for nearly three-quarters of reported catches. This challenges the MSC’s claim that certified tuna significantly reduces the risk of forced labour.
Tuna is big business, and the MSC ecolabel influences nearly 60% of the global supply. But this study reveals that many vessels behind the label operate in secrecy, and evidence of forced labour has emerged even on certified boats. With forced labour widespread in industrial fishing, the paper urges greater accountability and transparency. Consumers, retailers, and regulators need better assurances that the tuna on our shelves isn’t tainted by abuse at sea.
For a deeper dive into the findings and their implications, refer to the full paper in npj Ocean Sustainability.
