Sustainable tuna fishing with SATHOAN Producers’ Organization / Organisation de Producteurs SATHOAN (France)

Sète, France

The organization and local perspectives on conservation and stewardship

This local fishery brings together about 60 small coastal vessels which fish for bluefin tuna with pole and line and longline. It is based out of Sète, which is located in the south of France on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The fishery operates under the collective brand “Line Bluefin tuna,

artisanal fishing” (Thon Rouge de line, Pêche Artisanale), which was created in 2014 and is framed by strict usage regulations. This fishery was ecocertified in 2019 by the public ecolabel “peche durable” (sustainable fishing) and in 2020 by the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) Ecolabel. The ships are active throughout the Gulf of Lion and Corsica (GSA 7 and GSA 8).

As part of our two ecolabels, we attach particular importance to the conservation and protection of biodiversity. Thus we actively participate in research work with scientists and we have set up partnership programs with environmental NGOs. We have also developed modern and innovative tools for the protection of sensitive species. SATHOAN and the VALPEM Association (which brings together producers and downstream sector partners) have come together to improve the sustainability of the fishery for more than 10 years, carrying out numerous scientific projects with Ifremer, IRD (Institut de recherche pour le développement) and the University of Montpellier. It was also through this partnership that the brand “Line Bluefin tuna, artisanal fishing” was initially created.

Stewardship experience: management, cooperation, science, partnership, conservation, sustainability, economy, recognition, training, awareness

The issue or problem being addressed

The sustainable management of stocks with a focus on bluefin tuna, and the reduction of sensitive bycatch.

The activities

Longline fishing for bluefin tuna can cause unwanted bycatch of susceptible species. It was then important to know the catch rates with the help of scientists, and also to develop tools to reduce these unwanted catches. This involves training and awareness actions, as well as data collection, scientific research and partnerships with private or public environmental management companies.

The benefits/impacts including sustainability/environmental effects

Among the positive examples, it is of course necessary to talk about our partnerships with ENGOs and scientists which was necessary to increase knowledge of species and habitats. We must also talk about the recognition of our approach at national and international level. This example has been important for protecting the marine environment itself and local sensitive species, as well of course for the livelihood sustainability of fishermen themselves. As part of this fishery, local fishers have an increased sense of responsibility and guardianship to the resource, and an interest in maintaining the fishery in a sustainable manner.

The success and significance of the activities

This is significant for three reasons. On the one hand our fishery is the first fishery in the world to hold this double certification, on the other hand because we had to develop a network of scientific and institutional partners, and finally because we have today many commitments of conservation of biodiversity that is not (yet) applied by any other fishery.

This work will have made it possible to increase the awareness of professional fishermen who now accept and defend the measures of good management of bluefin tuna but also the actions of protection and conservation of other sensitive species.

Thanks to the MSC, a real process of progress and collaboration with stakeholders has been initiated. There is no doubt that the MSC certification allows us to strengthen our actions.

Some lessons learned or words of wisdom

Stay coherent, keep your motivation despite your efforts, know how to surround yourself with constructive people, work in close collaboration with scientists and listen to fishermen.

Caring for the environment is important in order to guarantee the reproduction sites of marine species so that their habitat does not suffer any change or damage.

For more information on Line Bluefin tuna, artisanal fishing (Thon Rouge de line, Pêche Artisanale), visit:

http://www.thonrougedeligne.com/

https://vimeo.com/user38717620

https://www.instagram.com/thonrougedeligne/

For more information on SATHOAN, visit:

https://sathoan.fr

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