Walmart and Albertsons Commit to Tuna Transparency Pledge

Walmart and Albertsons have taken a significant step towards sustainability by committing to The Nature Conservancy’s Tuna Transparency Pledge, which aims to implement on-the-water monitoring for all industrial tuna fishing vessels by 2027. These retail giants are the first of five organizations to sign the pledge as The Nature Conservancy, a global environmental nonprofit, works to encourage more retailers, seafood supply chain entities, and governments to participate.

On-the-water monitoring is crucial for ensuring that seafood available on store shelves is harvested in accordance with fishery laws. This initiative also provides essential data for the sustainable management of tuna and other marine wildlife. By committing to this pledge, Walmart and Albertsons are helping to establish greater transparency in the seafood supply chain.

Additionally, the pledge mandates that vessels register with the Vessels in Other Sustainability Initiatives list, maintained by the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation or utilize an equivalent tracking and verification tool.

The Nature Conservancy highlights that two-thirds of global fisheries are either overfished or unable to withstand further pressure, with tuna fisheries producing approximately 5 million tons of fish annually, valued at around $10 billion at the dock.

“Retailers, seafood suppliers, and fishery managers hold a significant influence in improving the tuna supply chain,” stated The Nature Conservancy. “This pledge safeguards the long-term sustainability of fisheries, valuable supply chains, and the well-being of coastal communities.”