Greenseas commits to FAD-free fishing

  • October 14, 2011
  • Matt Paish

Australian canned tuna brand Greenseas announced today that it will no longer source tuna caught using Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) after 2015.

FADs usually consist of buoys or floats tethered to the ocean floor with concrete blocks. They attract fish for numerous reasons that vary by species. Currently, Greenseas uses FADs in conjunction with purse seine fishing methods.

HJ Heinz Company, which owns the Greenseas brand, said it will be working closely with suppliers and other stakeholders to support the development of FAD-free initiatives in the Western Central Pacific Ocean, the world’s largest tuna fishery.

Heinz Australia spokesperson Jessica Ramsden said, “Fishing with FADs is responsible for increased levels of non-target bycatch – particularly affecting overfished populations of Yellowfin and Bigeye tuna, and some other marine species.”

Heinz’s announcement comes two months after Greenpeace released its 2011 canned tuna ranking, which revealed that 8 out of 10 Australian brands source tuna using FADs.


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