Reject John West

Like most Aussies, I love canned tuna. I’d much prefer fresh salmon, but time and finances don’t always permit. So a trusty little tin of tuna really does the trick for a quick protein hit. But at what cost to our oceans? Our precious planet? These are weighty questions on my mind, especially when I know there are some companies who couldn’t give a stuff! Of course, these same companies worship the almighty dollar, that we, the consumers use to buy our tuna. So if you are like me, and you truly give a stuff: Don’t touch John West until they do their best.

You see, even though John West sells over a third of all canned tuna in Australia and its decisions have the greatest impact on our oceans, John West refuses to rule out destructive fishing methods that unnecessarily kill hundreds of tonnes of sharks, rays, baby tuna and turtles every year.

Even though their competitors are changing their ways by taking ocean protection seriously: Greenseas and Sirena have pledged to ban the use of FADs by 2015.

Safcol’s switch to 100% pole and line tuna last year led the way and showed that big changes can be made. And at little extra cost to the consumer. Today you can choose from eight sustainable pole and line products. View the 2012 Canned Tuna Guide

More from Greenpeace:

Today Greenpeace released its 4th Canned Tuna Guide to help consumers make informed choices. Since our last guide, we have seen a profound shift in the market thanks to people like you and others taking action – thank you. While there is plenty to celebrate, one stand-out offender continues to destroy tuna stocks and marine life.

Who? John West.

Greenpeace assesses tuna brands on a range of factors, but one of the most important things brands can do for our oceans is stop using fish aggregating devices (FADs) with giant ‘purse seine’ nets.

Fishing with FADs is indiscriminate – at least 10% of each haul is undersized tuna and other marine creatures, known as bycatch.

Why John West?

• John West is Australia’s biggest tuna brand – it sells 97 million cans of tuna a year.

• John West claims it is committed to sustainability, but for 98% of its tuna, John West still permits the use of FADs with nets.

• John West catches the equivalent of 10 million cans of sharks, rays, baby tuna and turtles a year by refusing to ban FADs.

Tell John West to stop using FADs



TAKE ACTION: EMAIL
JOHN WEST