The Board of Directors of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) recently voted to repeal a measure aimed at restricting the fishing of Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna.
The repeal came in the wake of a review of updated scientific advice on the status of Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna.
ISSF adopted Conservation Measure 1.3 in 2021 in response to scientific assessments at the time indicating that the Indian Ocean yellowfin stock was overfished and experiencing overfishing, and in the absence of effective management action by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).
The measure required ISSF participating companies to reduce their sourcing of Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna by between 11 and 22 percent and to publicly report on their commitments and implementation efforts.
ISSF said:
“Based on the most recent assessment and subsequent methodological review completed in 2025 by the IOTC Scientific Committee, Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna is no longer classified as overfished nor subject to overfishing. These improvements occurred during a period of strengthened fisheries oversight and voluntary industry action aligned with scientific advice, including sourcing reductions implemented by ISSF participating companies.”
According to ISSF President Susan Jackson:
“ISSF adopted CM 1.3 to support stock rebuilding at a time when scientific advice clearly indicated urgent action was needed and wasn’t being taken by the IOTC. While stock recovery is driven by multiple factors, the actions taken by ISSF participating companies to follow the scientific advice at the time demonstrates how industry can contribute constructively when management processes are lacking.”
While the measure was in effect, ISSF participating companies in total reduced their sourcing of Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna by more than 30 percent compared to historical baselines — exceeding the reduction levels originally envisioned under the measure and reflecting a strong, united response to the scientific advice in effect at the time.
The foundation added:
“The repeal of Conservation Measure 1.3 does not change ISSF’s continued engagement with IOTC, where ISSF will continue to advocate for science-based management measures, including catch limits consistent with scientific advice, to ensure the long-term sustainability of Indian Ocean tuna fisheries.”
The improvement in Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna status is also reflected in ISSF’s January 2026 Status of the Stocks report, which shows the stock status changing from an uncertain (yellow) to healthy (green) abundance rating.
In addition, the report further notes that no major commercial tuna stocks worldwide are currently classified as overfished or experiencing overfishing.
