Maldives Achieves Global Sustainability Milestone with MSC Certification for Yellowfin Tuna

The Maldives has secured a prestigious Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certificate for its pole-and-line and handline Yellowfin Tuna fisheries, marking a significant achievement for the nation's sustainable fishing industry. The certification, announced by the Maldives Seafood Processers and Exporters Association (MSPEA), extends the country's existing MSC certification for pole-and-line Skipjack Tuna, first obtained in 2012. The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources hailed the development as a major breakthrough, crediting years of collaboration between the government, industry, and international bodies like the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). The ministry stated this certification will expand global market opportunities for Maldivian fish products, enhance ocean protection, and support local fishing communities. This success follows a dedicated Fisheries Improvement Project launched by MSPEA in 2021, which consistently achieved top grades in sustainability and social responsibility assessments. The certification was made possible after the latest IOTC scientific research, conducted in 2024, confirmed that Yellowfin Tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean are no longer subject to overfishing. The Maldives had previously held MSC certification for Yellowfin Tuna from 2014 until its withdrawal in 2017 due to depleted regional stock levels. The reinstatement underscores the nation's recovery efforts and its role as a global leader in sustainable fishing practices. The ministry emphasized that this accomplishment is a testament to the hard work of fishermen and all stakeholders in the fisheries sector, ensuring the long-term viability of a vital national industry.