Seafood Champions

American Albacore Fishing Association -2009 Seafood Champion

The American Albacore Fishing Association (AAFA) is a US-based nonprofit corporation that represents commercial pole and troll vessels off the California coast. The organization is responsible for dramatically expanding the market for sustainable albacore products across the United States and Europe. The first tuna fishery to be certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), AAFA made its albacore available on an equal-opportunity basis in order to effectively penetrate the market for tuna. AAFA’s pricing program provides fishermen with the certainty and incentive necessary to earn their support for sustainable fisheries.

Understanding the importance of sustainable fishery management practices and the participation of vital fishing communities, AAFA supports education on responsible fishing methods while simultaneously promoting the health benefits of tuna consumption and the environmental benefits of sustainable fishery practices. AAFA strives to ensure the economic viability of pole & troll fisheries now and into the future.

AAFA not only helps local fishermen earn a stable living, but it also benefits the environment. The pole and troll method, which is hundreds of years old, entails catching fish one at a time and therefore results in no bycatch, or the unintentional capture of non-target species. This phenomenon, which is common in trawling and other forms of fishing, is a great threat to sustainability. For its efforts, AAFA was awarded the Marine Stewardship Council’s coveted eco-label for sustainable fishing, an honor never before bestowed on a tuna fishing association.

Seafood Choices Alliance: How did you become interested in the issue of sustainable seafood?
Natalie Webster, AAFA co-founder: AAFA’s interest in sustainable seafood stems from a desire to improve the future of the albacore fishery by promoting what makes it so great. Its founders—fishermen wanting to tell the story of the poll and troll albacore fishery—believe that consumers are interested in the pole and troll harvest method and the tradition of our fishing families and want to support this sustainable fishery. AAFA was established with the goal to market, promote, and stabilize the price for the fishermen. Without help, this fishery will die.

Of all the species that are commercially fished, why did you choose albacore?
Harvesting albacore is the fabric of our fisherman and their families. The pole and troll albacore fishery dates back more than 100 years. It’s a tradition through the generations.

How would you describe your philosophy on ocean conservation?
We believe that the involvement of fishermen is important for effective fishery management. Fishermen’s experience and perspective are invaluable to developing effective management measures. Every AAFA fisherman is a steward of the sea. Their contribution and support is essential to successful ocean conservation.

Which AAFA programs or initiatives have you found to be the most successful?
AFFA has undertaken a number of programs to improve recognition of this traditional fishery, including obtaining third-party certification through MSC and other efforts to tell the story of this incredible pole and troll fishery. Basically, getting the fishermen’s message to the marketplace has proven to be the most successful initiative.

How has the rest of the seafood industry reacted to the work you are doing and your views on conservation?
We have received a mix of support from buyers throughout the world. With change there is always resistance. We have found the individuals/companies that are truly vested in sustainable seafood and believe in a future for this fishery have supported AAFA and its members.

How have sales of pole- and troll-caught tuna changed since AAFA was founded?
Catch levels for the pole and troll albacore fishery are generally stable, while AAFA has driven a new trend toward highervalue products and improved pricing to fishermen. The outdated practice of marketing their catch as a low value commodity was taking the life out of this fishery. AAFA has reversed that long decline and has been very successful in its efforts to establish new markets and achieve greater recognition among consumers. Markets now recognize AAFA’s high standards and seek out the reliable quality of AAFA albacore.

Have you noticed any recent trends within the seafood industry? Have you noticed an increase in the number of organizations engaging in work similar to yours?
AAFA has been contacted from around the world regarding the challenge of pursuing MSC certification and whether it benefits the fishermen. To this point, the MSC certification has provided a marketing tool for distinguishing the US pole and troll albacore fishermen from other tuna fisheries. It has also helped us to tell our story to an international forum. We have encouraged other fisheries to pursue certification or at least thoroughly consider how/if their fisheries can benefit from getting certified.

What does being a Seafood Champion mean to you?
AAFA is honored to receive this Seafood Champion award. We believe it recognizes and acknowledges the sacrifice, commitment, and passion of our fishermen and families. We hope this helps encourage other fisheries to plot their own course toward a successful and sustainable future.