The Real Cost of “Dolphin-Safe”

by Campaign for Eco-Safe Tuna
July 23, 2014

Some people argue that sustainable food options are too expensive. They say they would buy eco-safe brands, if only they weren’t so much more expensive than the generic alternatives. Well, there’s good news! It turns out that MSC-certified canned tuna products are available for LESS than deceptively labeled “dolphin-safe” options…which are in fact dolphin-deadly!

Both Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification and the Earth Island Institute (EII) so-called “dolphin-safe” label cost producers something. The cost of MSC certification, however, goes to covering the cost of transparent and verifiable monitoring and evaluations of the producer. The cost of EII’s “dolphin-safe” label goes to lining the pockets of a faux environmentalist organization that promotes dangerous and unsustainable fishing practices such as FAD fishing.

The cost is reflected in the price of canned tuna for consumers. By being open and transparent and holding certified producers fully accountable, MSC certification has become a symbol for sustainability-minded customers that they are buying a truly eco-safe product. Producers seeking MSC certification undertake months of rigorous review by MSC and independent, third-party auditors.

Before the official certification process even begins, a pre-assessment is conducted. In this pre-assessment, an independent review determines if a fishery is ready to undertake the full assessment by MSC.

Following the pre-assessment, and acting on the guidance of the pre-assessment reviewer, the fishery has time to prepare for the full assessment against MSC standards. “The process is led by the appointed certifier and its expert assessment team. It involves consulting with stakeholders, reviewing performance indicators, scoring the fishery, identifying ways that the fishery can strengthen its performance (if needed), peer review and making a final determination about whether the fishery meets the MSC standard.” Only after the full assessment is complete will a fishery be considered eligible to use the MSC Certified Sustainable Seafood label.

MSC also requires that certified fisheries arrange for independent, third-party audits of their operations to ensure that MSC standards are maintained and all the fishery’s seafood can be traced in accordance to the MSC Chain of Custody standard.

Compare this to Earth Island’s approach. They sell their so-called “dolphin-safe” label to anyone who wants it…as long as they are willing to sign secret contracts that obligate them to never speak about the process itself. There is no transparency, no third-party verification and absolutely no accountability. Earth Island cares more about maintaining their tight grip over “dolphin-safe” than they do about credibility for the label itself. The good news for consumers is that the real cost of Earth Island’s money-grubbing is finally catching up with their “dolphin-safe” label.

It’s time to stop paying for a false label that is given to any producer willing to sign a contract and hand over their money. Next time you are in the market for canned tuna, make sure you avoid the tins with the deceptive “dolphin-safe” label on them. You will not only save a few cents, but you will help save our marine ecosystems for future generations!