JOHN WEST AUSTRALIA TAKES BOLD ACTION TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLY SOURCED TUNA AND SAVE SHARKS, TURTLES AND DOLPHINS

Australia’s largest canned tuna supplier, John West Australia, today announced that over 95% of their canned tuna is now certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.

WWF-Australia has praised the move as a sustainable revolution for tuna consumers in Australia, with a massive increase in the availability of MSC ecolabel products on supermarket shelves across the country.  

MSC is the world’s most credible sustainability standard for wild caught fish. Carrying the MSC ecolabel shows that a rigorous process has been passed, involving an independent third party audit against an international standard.

John West Australia accounts for over 43% of the supply of canned tuna in Australia, most of which comes from the West Central Pacific Ocean.

John West’s decision to source sustainably means that fish stocks in those areas are far more likely to last for future generations, and the incidental capture (bycatch) of other species such as sharks, turtles and dolphins is significantly reduced due to improved fishing practices.

WWF-Australia CEO Dermot O’Gorman said the announcement was a great example of an Australian company demonstrating global leadership on sustainability.

“Each and every one of us can make a difference to the future of the Oceans, by choosing products with the easily recognisable MSC label,” Mr O’Gorman said.

“Customers want more sustainable products, and sustainability makes sense for business, too."

“John West Australia’s decision to source MSC certified sustainable tuna will help secure local jobs and support viable businesses for many Pacific island nations."

“It is vital that business is a part of the solution to meet the increasing demands of a growing global population, without ruining our precious environment.”

Today’s announcement is the culmination of four years of sustained efforts in a partnership between John West Australia and WWF-Australia, with the support of the Marine Stewardship Council.

Media contact:

Daniel Rockett, National Media Manager, 0432 206 592