Which is Australia’s worst tuna brand?

 
  
© Alex Hofford/Greenpeace
  
 
Overfishing is a serious problem. Destructive fishing techniques are destroying fish stocks and killing other marine creatures. You helped us confront one form of destructive fishing – super trawlers like the FV Margiris – now we need your help confronting another.



Aussies love canned tuna. It is our most popular seafood product, with over 250 million cans sold every year. But some tuna comes with a hidden cost. 

Today Greenpeace released its 4th Canned Tuna Guide to help consumers make informed choices. Since our last guide, we have seen a profound shift in the market thanks to people like you taking action. While there is plenty to celebrate, one stand-out offender continues to destroy tuna stocks and marine life.

Who? John West.

John West sells over a third of all canned tuna in Australia – its decisions have the biggest impact on our oceans. While its competitors are changing, John West refuses to rule out destructive fishing methods that unnecessarily kill hundreds of tonnes of sharks, rays, baby tuna and turtles every year.
 
  
 
 
 
  
 

TAKE ACTION: EMAIL
JOHN WEST
     
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
Greenpeace assesses brands on a range of factors, but one of the most important things they can do for our oceans is stop using fish aggregating devices (FADs) with giant ‘purse seine’ nets.

Fishing with FADs is indiscriminate – at least 10% of each haul is undersized tuna and other marine creatures, known as bycatch.

Why John West?

• John West is Australia’s biggest tuna brand – it sells 97 million cans of tuna a year.

• John West claims it is committed to sustainability, but for 98% of its tuna, John West still permits the use of FADs with nets.

• John West catches the equivalent of 10 million cans of sharks, rays, baby tuna and turtles a year by refusing to ban FADs.

Tell John West to stop using FADs



The good tuna news


While John West continues to let Australians down, its competitors are taking ocean protection seriously. Two major brands – Greenseas and Sirena – have pledged to ban the use of FADs by 2015.

Safcol’s switch to 100% pole and line tuna last year led the way and showed that big changes can be made. And at little extra cost to the consumer. Today you can choose from eight sustainable pole and line products.

View the 2012 Canned Tuna Guide

Greenpeace supporters have been instrumental in confronting overfishing and transforming Australia’s canned tuna industry. Let’s now turn our attention to Australia’s biggest tuna offender.

Thank you.

Nathaniel Pelle

Oceans Campaigner

Greenpeace Australia Pacific

PS Please tell John West to stop using fishing methods that destroy our oceans. Take action today.