People ask us about ISSF and our work often and we’ve pulled out the most frequently asked questions and delivered the answers here. We’ll continue to check out mailbox of course. If we missed your question, drop us a note at info@iss-foundation.org.

• How long has ISSF been at work?
• Who governs ISSF?
• Why is industry involved?
• Where does ISSF work?
• Is tuna ecologically sustainable?
• Can I buy ISSF certified tuna?
• Why isn’t ISSF working faster?

 

How long has ISSF been at work?

While the idea that sparked ISSF began as a conversation in 2008, possibly earlier, we officially launched in March of 2009. 

Who governs ISSF?

ISSF’s mission is directed by the Board of Directors, which is currently made up of 8 members who represent the environmental community, scientific community and industry. 

An independent Scientific Advisory Committee and a Stakeholder Committee, comprised of representatives from some of the world’s leading conservation and science organizations, advise the Board.

ISSF Staff works under the direction of a President – who also serves on the Board of Directors – to execute the Foundation’s mission.

Why is industry involved?

This partnership wouldn’t work without the involvement of tuna processors just like it wouldn’t work without the help of our partners at WWF. The solution we came up with together has a better chance of working if everyone involved helps to find it. 

We’re not here to defend industry or serve as its spokesperson – ISSF was founded to improve the sustainability of tuna fisheries. That’s what we’re focused on accomplishing.

Where does ISSF work?

Since these species of tuna are highly migratory, ISSF is active in every region. Our Board of Directors, partners, committees and participating companies, give ISSF a footprint in every corner of the world. 

Is tuna ecologically sustainable?

Sustainability has many aspects and some areas are more in need of work than others. Most of the world’s tuna comes from stocks that are healthy, meaning they aren’t experiencing overfishing. That means tuna aren’t in danger of disappearing but there are other environmental impacts we must consider and reduce. 

If there weren’t problems in need of fixing, ISSF wouldn’t be here. The truth is that any credible, comprehensive and scientific assessment of tuna fisheries would likely not result in a label of 100% sustainable. But the current state of tuna stocks gives us reason to believe that with action today we’ll have a sustainable resource tomorrow.

Can I buy ISSF certified tuna?

ISSF is not a certifier or ecolabel. That means consumers will not find an ISSF endorsement on any product. Our role is not to tell consumers how to spend their money in the grocery aisles. Instead our goal is to create an environment where all tuna is fished responsibly from well-managed stocks no matter what tuna product shoppers reach for on store shelves. 

Why isn’t ISSF working faster?

Our coalition’s approach is deliberate and collaborative, which can require a bit of extra time but generally leads to the best result. Instead of one stakeholder making up some of the rules, all stakeholders make up all the rules. 

Still, we’ve reached some milestones in our first two years. In June 2011, ISSF will publish a report card, grading progress one year after we launched our Strategic Plan.