Category

Transparency

Sub-Category

Monitoring Commitment

Category Guidance

For all other gear types (including small purse seine, longline, pole & line, etc.), urge suppliers that all tuna/sourced seafood originate from vessels that use Electronic Monitoring (EM), and at least meets the minimum standards for EM.

The minimum standards cover:

1. EM equipment and installation.
2. EM operations and data collection.
3. Review of EM records and reporting.

Urge suppliers to demonstrate that the standards of the EM system include data review and that the EM report will be submitted to a research institution / national authority and/or tuna RFMO. For vessels installing EM after 1st January 2026, within 12 months of installation, demonstrate that the standards of the EM system include data review and report to research institutions / national authorities and/or tuna RFMOs will be submitted.

Means of Verification

Review company communications urging its suppliers to provide tuna/other species that originates from vessels that have an EM system which meets, or exceeds, the minimum standards for EM.

If applicable, obtain a list of vessels that claim to use EM. Randomly select 4 vessels from the list and ask for a copy of the EM contract (without the financials), which identifies the provider, type of system installed and dates of operation.

Obtain confirmation that the contract covers the minimum standards for:

1. EM equipment and installation.
2. EM operations and data collection.
3. Review of EM records and reporting.

Obtain communications showing EM report has been submitted to research institution / national authorities and/or tuna RFMOs.