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Aquademia: The Seafood PodcastAuthor: Justin Grant, Maddie Cassidy
Hosted by Global Seafood Alliances Justin Grant and Maddie Cassidy, Aquademia is your go-to podcast for a fresh take on all things seafood. The podcast aims to educate consumers and industry professionals on how seafood is connected with the issues facing our planet, what consumers can do to help, and arm them with the knowledge to make better seafood choices! Each episode will feature interviews from professionals of many disciplines to demonstrate how deeply seafood is connected with our world. From seafood industry professionals to environmental scientists to chefs, all voices will be included. Language: en Genres: Arts, Food, Nature, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Managing the World’s Tuna: Harvest Strategies, RFMOs and a Race to 2028
Episode 273
Wednesday, 16 September, 2026
Episode Summary Tuna is far more than a familiar item on supermarket shelves or a staple of sushi menus. More than five million metric tons of tuna are caught each year, supporting a global supply chain valued at more than $40 billion and providing food and economic security for millions of people. The fishery is particularly important to small island nations, where tuna-related income can account for a significant share of domestic revenues. But getting tuna from ocean to consumer involves an intricate global network of fishing fleets, processing facilities, exporters, importers and markets. Different tuna species also serve distinct markets, from canned skipjack and albacore to high-value bluefin destined for fresh and premium markets. Because tunas migrate across national boundaries and entire ocean regions, managing them sustainably requires countries to coordinate through regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs). The conversation examines how these organizations make decisions, why consensus can be difficult, and how harvest strategies are changing the approach to fisheries management. The recovery of southern bluefin tuna demonstrates the potential of a long-term, pre-agreed management framework: after the stock had been severely depleted, its biomass quadrupled by 2020, ultimately contributing to its removal from the critically endangered list and the fishery achieving MSC certification. With all tuna RFMOs committed to implementing harvest strategies but only 10 of 23 commercially harvested tuna stocks having adopted them, initiatives such as All Tunas 2028 are focused on accelerating progress while encouraging seafood companies, governments, scientists and other stakeholders to become more engaged in fisheries decision-making. Featured Guests Katy Hladki — Senior Officer, International Fisheries Team — The Pew Charitable Trusts Key Topics Covered The global economic, social and nutritional importance of tuna fisheries The complex journey of tuna from fishing vessels to processing facilities and consumer markets Major commercially harvested tuna species, including skipjack, albacore, yellowfin, bigeye and bluefin How regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) coordinate tuna management across international waters The challenges of reaching consensus among countries and stakeholders with different interests Harvest strategies as a science-based, pre-agreed framework for long-term fisheries management The recovery of southern bluefin tuna and what its management history demonstrates Why only 10 of 23 commercially harvested tuna stocks currently have established harvest strategies The role of seafood companies, retailers, wholesalers and distributors in tuna fisheries advocacy The All Tunas 2028 initiative and its goal of advancing harvest strategies across tuna fisheries The importance of transparent fisheries data, independent vessel monitoring and stronger compliance The potential impacts of climate and environmental change on fisheries management Key Takeaways Tuna is a globally significant resource. More than five million metric tons are harvested annually, supporting a supply chain worth more than $40 billion and contributing to food and economic security around the world. International cooperation is essential. Because tuna are highly migratory and can be harvested by vessels from many different countries, effective management requires coordination through RFMOs. Harvest strategies can provide greater predictability. By establishing management rules and objectives in advance, harvest strategies can reduce uncertainty and help balance long-term sustainability with economic needs. Southern bluefin tuna demonstrates what effective management can accomplish. After severe depletion, the stock's biomass quadrupled by 2020 under a harvest strategy, and the species was subsequently removed from the critically endangered list. Progress is happening, but adoption remains incomplete. All tuna RFMOs have committed to implementing harvest strategies, yet only 10 of 23 commercially harvested tuna stocks had adopted them at the time of the conversation. Seafood businesses have a role beyond purchasing seafood. Retailers, wholesalers, distributors and other companies can engage directly in fisheries policy discussions and advocate for management decisions that protect long-term supply. Better data and monitoring are critical. Transparent fisheries information, independent vessel monitoring and strong compliance systems can improve both management decisions and confidence in their implementation. The future of tuna depends on broad engagement. Governments, fisheries managers, fishers, scientists, seafood companies and consumers all have a role in supporting healthy tuna populations and resilient seafood systems. Links and Resources Mentioned The Pew Charitable Trusts — Research and advocacy related to international fisheries, tuna management and regional fisheries management organizations. All Tunas 2028 — Initiative focused on advancing harvest strategies across commercially harvested tuna fisheries. Harvest Strategies — Educational resources about modern fisheries management and harvest strategies. [Course] UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) — A free course on harvest strategies The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.
