Using single-hook handlines attached to handmade kites, the fishermen in the Indonesian Maluku island chain locate and catch large adult yellowfin tuna from their small boats.
Similar to other well-known Fair Trade Certified products, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, flowers, produce and apparel, the Fisheries program requires fishermen to source and trade according to rigorous, independently audited standards. These standards help to protect fundamental human rights, prevent forced and child labor, establish safe working conditions, regulate work hours and benefits, and enable responsible resource management. This is especially important in an industry with a long history of labor abuse.
After four years of development, Anova Food recently began importing the world’s first Fair Trade Certified™ seafood. Debuting on the grocery shelves in March, this wild caught tuna from small-scale fishermen in Indonesia will initially be available in Safeway’s Northern California Division stores with plans to expand into other operating areas as additional supply becomes available.
Anova’s Fishing and Living™ initiative goals of sustainable sourcing as well as fishing community development and aid closely align with the Fair Trade Certified™ program. “Working with industry professionals, groups such as WWF, USAID, NGOs, the Indonesian government, marine biologists, sustainability experts and retailers has given us a complete perspective on the sustainable harvesting methods of tuna. Partnering with Fair Trade has assisted our ongoing efforts to provide responsibly-sourced seafood while also building resilient livelihoods in impoverished coastal communities.” said Helen Packer, Coordinator of the Fishing and Living™ program.
“Safeway’s commitment to selling all its seafood from responsible and traceable sources makes them a great partner to launch our Fair Trade Certified™ tuna into the North American market” said Mark MacPherson, a sustainability consultant at Anova Food. The first certified tuna products will be packed under the Natural Blue™ brand and come from four associations representing 120 small-scale fishermen.
Fair Trade is also helping to foster community collaboration among previously isolated groups of fishermen. For every Fair Trade Certified tuna sold, fisherman receive an additional Community Development Premium—10 percent of the dock-side price—which they can collectively invest in much-needed community projects like education and healthcare.
