ASBTIA’s purse seine fishery is the first SBT fishery in the world to be certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The MSC operates a certification and ecolabel program based on a scientifically robust standard for assessing whether wild-capture fisheries are ecologically sustainable and well-managed. Fish products from fisheries that meet the MSC’s standard are eligible to use the MSC’s blue ecolabel or otherwise make a claim that they are MSC-certified. For ASBTIA, SBT harvested directly from purse seine or tow cages (prior to ranching) are eligible for MSC recognition.
The Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry: A Global Success Story in Fisheries Recovery
The Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) industry has proudly led one of the world’s most remarkable fisheries recovery efforts. Through years of careful management, innovation, and international collaboration, SBT populations are once again thriving. Once listed as Critically Endangered and later as Conservation Dependent under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), Thunnus maccoyii has made an extraordinary recovery. In 2024, a comprehensive scientific assessment confirmed that Southern Bluefin Tuna no longer meets the criteria for any threatened category — marking a significant milestone in sustainable fisheries management. This achievement has opened the door to Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, recognising the industry’s steadfast commitment to responsible harvesting and ocean stewardship. The result is a stronger, more sustainable future — for the fish, the fishers, and the communities that depend on them.
Australia’s marine environment, favoured by SBT fisheries are the most pristine coastal waters on the planet, ensuring safe and healthy fish for our consumers. Port Lincoln is located on the tip of the Eyre Peninsula along Australia’s great southern ocean. Featuring 2,000 kilometres of untouched coastline, the Eyre Peninsula is widely acknowledged as a prime region for aquaculture with pristine water quality, sheltered bays and exceptional water flows. A combination of ocean currents, pristine unpolluted waters and natural topography causes an influx of fish and other marine species into the area creating an abundance of premium seafood.
Leading edge farming techniques and fish husbandry ensure very few fish have health concerns; the industry has adapted husbandry techniques that minimise disease burden. Farming in deeper water helps reduce blood fluke infection and ensures sufficient clean water flow through the cages and farming sites to prevent contamination, and reduce any concerns regarding nutrient loads released into the environment.
