Category

Ecosystem / Advocacy

Sub-Category

Ecosystem Commitment

Category Guidance

Company refrains from transactions with suppliers / vessels that do not have an in-effect policy requiring that sharks, if retained, are landed with fins naturally attached.

The MSC defines ‘Fins Naturally Attached’ as a policy that requires all retained sharks to be landed with their fins still attached to the carcass by prohibiting the removal of shark fins on board vessels as well as the prohibition of retaining onboard, transshipping or landing removed shark fins.

Means of Verification

Review company’s procedure for ensuring that all purchases have come from suppliers / vessels that have an in-effect public policy prohibiting shark finning and requiring that sharks be landed with fins naturally attached if retained.

Review a random sample of purchases to assess whether the company’s system is adequate to ensure that vessels from which the tuna originate meet this requirement.

Also verify that sampled vessels do not appear on RFMO or Flag State lists of vessels having been cited for shark finning.