Walker Seafoods, a family-run fishing company based in Mooloolaba has become Australia’s first tuna fishery to achieve the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) global standard for sustainable fishing.
The business catches yellowfin tuna, albacore tuna and swordfish in Australian Territorial waters and the greater pacific ocean, and are one of the largest operators in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery.
Walker Seafood’s owner, Pavo Walker says that he is thrilled that his business has achieved the MSC tick, describing it as “the gold standard certification" of sustainable commercial fishing as it requires a review and audit of the full chain of custody from water to consumer.
“We have always delivered and believe in sustainable practices, but it's pleasing to have international accreditation so other people can understand how hard we work to ensure the sustainability of the tuna and swordfish, the environment and how we actively help increase the volume fish as well,” said Walker.
“People aren't aware that we have this amazing sustainable swordfish fishery here on the East Coast of Australia. It's the only place in the world where this is the case.”
Walker says that the MSC Blue Tick is as much about culinary excellence as it is about environmental sustainability.
Asia Pacific Director of MSC, Patrick Caleo congratulated the fishery’s commitment and effort to achieving the standard.
“With Walker Seafoods Australia achieving the MSC standard, Australian's can now enjoy locally caught certified sustainable tuna and swordfish for the first time in this part of the world,” said Caleo.
Walker Seafoods Australia now joins the ranks of 10 percent of the world's wild-captures fisheries that are MSC certified.
The MSC certification is based on three core principles:
1. * Healthy population of fish
2. * Reduced impact on marine ecosystems
3. * Effective management systems of the fishery