06/10/2015

Greenpeace Accuses John West Of Breaking Tuna Promise

UK Tuna brand John West has been accused by Greenpeace of catching just 2 per cent of its fish using pole and line sustainable methods.

The company has previously made a pledge that 100 per cent of its tuna would be sustainable by 2016.

However, Greenpeace has claimed 98 per cent of the firm's fish was caught using methods that kills other marine life, including sharks and endangered turtles.

John West has said since establishing its Sustainability Promise, the global supply of pole & line caught tuna has reduced significantly

It said: "Quite simply, there is no longer enough pole and line tuna available to meet global demand or Greenpeace targets."

The latest Greenpeace league table for tuna sold by supermarkets and companies lists John West in last place.

The environmental organisation states this is due to catching fish using Fish Aggregation Devices (FAD) which, although more proficient in catching fish, kill other species in the sea.

John West said: "Our total pole & line supply is considerably higher than the Greenpeace league table suggests.

"Much of this is supplied to retailers for their private labels to help them achieve their stretching sustainability targets.

"As a result of our commitment to our retail customers we have found it extremely difficult to increase the proportion of John West pole and line tuna that we can provide."

The company added it was "absolutely going to deliver" on its Sustainability Promise.

(LM/CD)

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