![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() We believe our fleet produces the best quality and highest level of monitored tuna in the world. High levels of independent observer coverage have been instituted in the fleet since the early 1990s.Įric Kingma, Executive Director of HLA stated: “HLA is proud to receive the certification as it is recognition of the fleet’s stringent management and monitoring regime. The fishery also pioneered the use of satellite-based vessel monitoring systems in the late 1980s to spatially track fishing locations in near real time. The fishery is a recognized global leader in the development and implementation of effective bycatch mitigation practices for sharks, seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. The fishery is subject to a comprehensive suite of federal regulations and monitoring requirements promulgated by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Approximately 85% of the fleet’s fishing effort occurs on the high seas adjacent to the Hawaii archipelago with the remainder of fishing effort in US exclusive economic zone (EEZ) waters. Last year the fleet voluntarily switched from using wire leaders on their gear to monofilament leaders to promote shark conservation. MSC certification is just the latest example of the Hawaii Longline Association’s commitment to best management practices. Overall, the fishery produces 95 percent of the nation’s bigeye tuna landings, and 50 to 60 percent of swordfish and yellowfin tuna landings. 80 percent of landings are consumed locally in Hawaii, and nearly 100 percent stay within the U.S. The fishery is low volume and high value - with landings worth approximately $125 million annually - making Honolulu one of the nation’s most valuable commercial fishing ports year after year. Today, it is the largest food producing industry in Hawaii, with unique cultural, nutritional, and economic importance in a state whose residents consume twice as much seafood per capita as the rest of the country. The Hawaii longline fishery dates to 1917, when it was established by Japanese immigrant fishermen. Shallow-set trips are subject to 100% observer coverage, while a coverage of at least 20% is aimed at for deep-set trips. The shallow-set fishery targets swordfish at night, whereas the deep-set fishery targets bigeye tuna during the day. The fleet is comprised of 142 locally owned vessels. This assessment covers two separate components of the longline fishery carried out by members of the HLA: the Hawaii shallow-set swordfish longline fishery and the Hawaii deep-set tuna longline fishery. As well as preserving fish stocks and the marine environment, the MSC certification process ensures that products can be traced to a MSC certified fishery through required recordkeeping. The MSC Fisheries Standard has three core principles that every certified fishery must meet including: 1) sustainable fish stocks, 2) minimizing environmental impact, and 3) effective fisheries management. The certification follows a rigorous 16-month review carried out by third-party assessment body Control Union UK Limited. The MSC Fisheries Standard is a globally recognized standard used to assess if a fishery is well-managed, and reflects the most up-to-date understanding of internationally accepted fisheries science and management. The fishery is the first Hawaii fishery to enter the MSC program. HONOLULU, HI – The Hawaii Longline Association’s (HLA) swordfish ( Xiphias gladius), bigeye ( Thunnus obesus), and yellowfin tuna ( Thunnus albacares) fishery has achieved certification for sustainable fishing practices, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) announced today. ![]()
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