The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) has unveiled a fully redesigned version of its Vessels in Other Sustainability Initiatives (VOSI) tool, a global platform that tracks tuna vessels’ participation in sustainability efforts.
Now featuring expanded criteria and an improved user interface, the updated VOSI tool enables seafood stakeholders to assess whether vessels are engaged in MSC-certified fisheries, fishery improvement projects, or implementing best practices such as bycatch mitigation and electronic monitoring.
“This VOSI evolution enhances transparency while supporting market-based and NGO-driven efforts to improve tuna fishery practices worldwide,” said ISSF president Susan Jackson.
The revised platform includes new science-based benchmarks, verifying if vessels adopt practices like using circle hooks, avoiding shark lines and landing sharks with fins naturally attached.
It continues to track other commitments like the use of biodegradable fish aggregating devices and MSC Improvement Program participation. All data is independently verified by MRAG Americas through annual documentation reviews.
Over 800 vessels are now listed on the VOSI platform, which has been praised by leading NGOs including The Nature Conservancy and the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership for advancing traceability and accountability.
The new interface allows users to easily filter vessels by flag, identifier or specific sustainability practices. Exportable profiles and integration with the ProActive Vessel Register provide a seamless experience for supply chain due diligence and procurement decision-making.
