Southern Bluefin Tuna Sustainability Measures

Australia’s Southern Bluefin Tuna is prized by gastronomists around the world for its rich flavour and decadent texture. Unfortunately, the delight of Southern Bluefin Tuna led to the overfishing of this incredible species and drastically reduced the wild population. In an effort to restore the wild population and ensure the sustainability of the species, Australia has implemented a number of stringent measures that balance the needs of the Bluefin Tuna industry with the conservation of the species.

Dinko Seafoods is proud to be a part of Port Lincoln’s Bluefin Tuna industry and is committed to all sustainability measures so that Australia’s Southern Bluefin Tuna can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Quota Management System (QMS)

The cornerstone of Southern Bluefin Tuna sustainability in Australia is the Quota Management System (QMS). The QMS regulates how much tuna fishers can catch Southern Bluefin Tuna tuna each year.

Under this system, the total catch is set based on scientific advice, with the goal of maintaining the population at a sustainable level.

Each tuna fisher is allocated a specific quota, which limits the amount of tuna they are allowed to catch.

This helps to prevent overfishing, which could otherwise deplete tuna stocks and harm the long-term viability of the tuna farming industry in Port Lincoln.

The Australian government works closely with international bodies, such as the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT), to set annual catch limits and ensure the species is managed sustainably across its range

Tuna Farming: A Controlled Industry

The Port Lincoln Southern Bluefin Tuna fishing industry includes wild fishing and tuna farming. It is a heavily regulated sector with guidelines to ensure that practices minimise environmental impacts.

Tuna farmers are required to maintain a controlled and sustainable stocking density to reduce stress on the fish and avoid issues related to overcrowding, such as disease and poor water quality.

Farmers are also encouraged to use sustainable feed sources to ensure that the practice of feeding farmed tuna does not deplete wild fish stocks.

This includes using fishmeal and oil from sustainable fisheries.

Tuna farming operations are also required to monitor water quality, sea floor health, and other environmental factors to ensure their activities do not negatively impact the surrounding marine ecosystem. This includes monitoring the impact of farm waste on local marine habitats and ensuring that fish pens are appropriately situated to minimise their ecological footprint.

Monitoring and Compliance

The tuna industry in Port Lincoln is subject to rigorous monitoring and enforcement protocols to ensure compliance with sustainability regulations.

Fisheries are subjected to intense surveillance. Both aerial and vessel-based surveillance are used to monitor fishing activities and prevent illegal fishing practices, such as catching more than the allotted quota or using illegal fishing gear.

The tuna industry also employs traceability systems that allow each tuna to be tracked from the moment it is caught or farmed through to when it reaches consumers.

This not only ensures compliance with legal catch limits but also allows consumers to make informed choices about the sustainability of their seafood.

Eco-Labeling and Consumer Awareness

Consumer demand for sustainably sourced seafood has grown significantly in recent years, and Port Lincoln’s tuna industry has responded with various eco-labelling, certification, and accreditation programs. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, for instance, recognises sustainable tuna fishing practices and provides consumers with a reliable way to identify sustainably sourced tuna products.

Efforts to raise consumer awareness about sustainable fishing practices are also important. Organisations in Port Lincoln and across Australia are working to educate the public about the importance of sustainable seafood consumption and how they can make responsible choices when purchasing tuna.

At Dinko, we are deeply committed to protecting the environment for generations to come. We believe that by preserving tuna fish stocks, we can play our part in creating a sustainable future. We are fully accredited with the MSC, the Commission for the Conversation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT), Friend of the Sea, and Dolphin Safe.

Order sustainable Dinko Seafood today

As pioneers in global tuna farming practice, we use a self-managed and sustainable approach to all our processes. Passionate about ensuring a sustainable future for the fish we farm, our fishing practices are all about sustainability – we want many generations to come to enjoy them as much as we do.

The result for you is a premium quality product, every time.

To make a wholesale order, contact us today.