Benchmarking Tools
Status of the Stocks Reports
Every year, as a tool for RFMO policymakers and fisheries managers, we produce a Status of the Stocks report that scientifically assesses 23 commercial tuna stocks worldwide based on the most recent abundance and fishing mortality data.
The comprehensive report indicates how a stock is being managed — including through reference points and harvest control rules — and whether it is at “healthy” levels, overfished, or in danger of becoming overfished. Status of the Stocks also examines the environmental impact of tuna fishing on other marine species, or “bycatch.”
To visualize current and historical data from our stock report — on tuna stock health, and tuna catch by fishing method — use our Interactive Stock Status Tool. You can download and share the customized graphics you create.
Marine Stewardship Council Certification
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is a globally recognized sustainable-seafood program. Helping tuna fisheries to meet sustainability criteria and achieve MSC certification — without conditions — continues to be ISSF’s ultimate objective. All of ISSF’s work, including its tools and programs, support MSC certification and fishery improvement more broadly.
ISSF publishes a report that evaluates and “scores” tuna stocks against MSC principles focused on stock status and management effectiveness (Principle 1 and Principle 3, respectively). ISSF also has published a preliminary report that pre-assesses tuna fisheries based on MSC Principle 2 (environmental impact).
Read more about the MSC certification process and fisheries improvement on our main website.
SUMMARY OF SUSTAINABLE FISH STOCKS (MSC Principle 1 Averages) February 2013 through February 2022
The P1 averages in the graph below were calculated using the average scores of all stocks for each performance indicator.
* Includes for the first time the 4 bluefin tuna stocks (Western Atlantic bluefin, Easter Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin, Pacific bluefin and Southern bluefin) under Principle 1 assesments.
**Some changes are due to consolidation and adjustments to the MSC Standards
***In 2017 MSC issued more clear (and stricter) guidance on how to score HCRs.
RFMO PERFORMANCE (MSC Principle 3 Averages) December 2013 through February 2022
The P3 averages in this graphic are weighted average scores.
