The Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) conducting the reassessment of Parties to the Nauru Agreement’s (PNA) MSC tuna fishery has dismissed IPNLF concerns.
IPNLF (International Pole and Line Foundation) argued against recertification of the PNA MSC free-school skipjack and yellowfin fishery but in its report to the Independent Adjudicator (IA), CAB Acoura Marine Ltd said that the fishery should be recertified for another five years.
Within its final report on the reassessment few months ago, Acoura recommended the PNA fishery for recertification based on the high scores it received. After addressing the objection submitted by the IPNLF, Acoura has responded with a 126-page letter, in which it “make the determination that the [PNA] fishery should be recertified”.
Due procedure
After the IPNLF has been given the chance to react to the CAB’s official response, Acoura will consider any responses submitted and issue a revised copy of the final report, if applicable.
Should matters remain unresolved, Acoura will seek an oral hearing and adjudication, following MSC procedures.
Pacifical, the tuna marketing company jointly set up in 2011 by the eight PNA countries, said Acoura’s reaction comes as no surprise.
“It stated that “most of the points raised in the objection were not directly related to the sustainability of our fishery, but mostly towards MSC policies in general.
“We remain confident that this process will lead to a positive outcome for the PNA’s ocean eco-system and our people, who depend on it.
