A Sustainability Landmark: Chicken of the Sea Commits to 100% MSC Certification for All Tuna Products
In a major move for the American grocery industry, Chicken of the Sea International has announced a historic commitment to ocean health. In honor of World Tuna Day (May 2), the company has pledged that 100% of its branded retail tuna products will achieve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification by the end of 2026.
This makes Chicken of the Sea the first “mainstream” or “big three” seafood brand in the U.S. to commit to such a rigorous, third-party verified standard for its entire retail tuna lineup.
What Does MSC Certification Mean?
The Marine Stewardship Council’s “blue fish label” is widely considered the gold standard for sustainable seafood. To earn this certification, a fishery must prove it meets three core pillars:
- Sustainable Fish Stocks: Fishing must be at a level that ensures it can continue indefinitely and the fish population remains productive and healthy.
- Minimizing Environmental Impact: Fishing operations must be managed carefully to maintain the structure, productivity, function, and diversity of the ecosystem.
- Effective Fishery Management: The fishery must comply with relevant laws and have a system that can adapt to changing environmental circumstances.
Why This Matters for Shoppers
As consumers increasingly prioritize ethical sourcing, this commitment provides a clear, verified “assurance” that their purchase supports healthy oceans.
- Beyond Marketing: Andy Mecs, President of Chicken of the Sea International, emphasized that this is “not a marketing label” but “proof of responsibility.”
- Traceability: Every retail size can and pouch will eventually carry the MSC blue label, allowing shoppers to verify at a glance that the tuna was caught using environmentally responsible practices.
- Industry Leadership: By setting a 2026 deadline, Chicken of the Sea is challenging its competitors to match its pace in fishery improvement projects.
The “SeaChange 2030” Initiative
This commitment is part of a larger global effort by Chicken of the Sea’s parent company, Thai Union Group. Under their “SeaChange 2030” initiative, the company is investing billions into reshaping sustainability processes, including:
- Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Working to lower the carbon footprint of their global fishing fleet.
- Human Rights Advocacy: Ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for the thousands of workers in their seafood ecosystem.
- Ocean Preservation: Supporting the establishment of Marine Protected Areas and coastal community resilience.
A “Sea Change” for the Pantry
Chicken of the Sea is turning a century-old brand into a modern leader in environmental stewardship. For the average consumer, this means that one of the most affordable and convenient protein sources in the pantry will now be one of the most sustainably sourced as well.
