Maldives Expands MSC Certification to Include Yellowfin Tuna Fisheries

The Maldives Seafood Processors & Exporters Association (MSPEA) has announced the expansion of the country’s Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification to include pole-and-line and handline yellowfin tuna fisheries. 

The certification, which already covers the Maldives’ pole-and-line skipjack tuna fishery since 2012, now extends to additional tuna species following years of sustainability work and improved stock assessments, according to a press release by the association. The skipjack tuna fishery is currently in its third five-year certification cycle, making it among the longest continuously certified tuna fisheries globally.

The association said that yellowfin tuna, however, has had a more complex trajectory, with the Maldives’ pole-and-line yellowfin fishery, which was previously certified in 2014 but was suspended and later withdrawn in 2017 after the Indian Ocean stock was classified as overfished. The stock is assessed at a regional level by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, reflecting its highly migratory nature.

Big step forward for Maldives fisheries 🇲🇻
MSC certification now expanded to include yellowfin tuna (pole-and-line & handline) — following stock recovery and years of FIP progress.
Sustainability + livelihoods, hand in hand.#MSC #Tuna #SustainableFisheries pic.twitter.com/1QRXfMpuzj— MSPEA-Maldives 🇲🇻 (@MspeaMv) March 23, 2026

Since 2021, MSPEA has led a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) aimed at rebuilding and ensuring sustainability of yellowfin stocks, said the association. The initiative has consistently achieved an “A” rating on FisheryProgress.org, demonstrating progress in stock sustainability, environmental impact, and social responsibility standards.

Recent scientific assessments by the IOTC have confirmed that the Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna stock is no longer overfished and is not subject to overfishing, enabling the Maldives to re-engage with MSC certification.

MSPEA credited the Government of Maldives and the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources for their role in advancing stock recovery measures and engagement at the IOTC.

The association said the expanded certification strengthens the Maldives’ position in international seafood markets while supporting sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities dependent on the fisheries sector.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources extended congratulations to MSPEA, and all stakeholders across the fisheries sector, describing the move as a significant milestone. The ministry said that with the expansion, the Maldives’ entire tuna fishery is now effectively MSC certified, reinforcing the Maldives’ standing as a global leader in sustainable fisheries.