Is Dolphin Safe Really Dolphin Safe?
The "Dolphin Safe" label on tuna cans has become a common sight on grocery store shelves, giving consumers the assurance that the tuna they’re buying has been caught without harming dolphins. But is this label really as safe as it seems? Recent studies and investigations have raised questions about the effectiveness of the label and the companies that use it.
The Definition of "Dolphin Safe"
The "Dolphin Safe" label was created by the International Dolphin-Free Tuna Certification Program (IDF). According to the IDF, a fishery is considered "dolphin safe" if it meets two criteria:
- No Setting on Dolphins: The fishery must not intentionally set nets or nets with dolphins in them.
- No Mixing of Dolphins and Fish: The fishery must ensure that dolphins are not accidentally caught and killed along with the tuna.
However, critics argue that these criteria are not strict enough and do not account for the fact that dolphins may still be killed or injured in the process of tuna fishing, even if the fishery claims to be "dolphin safe".
The Problem with the Label
One of the main problems with the "Dolphin Safe" label is that it is not regulated or monitored effectively. The IDF certification program is voluntary, and companies do not have to undergo regular audits to ensure compliance. This means that companies may claim to be "dolphin safe" without actually adhering to the criteria.
Additionally, even if a fishery is certified "dolphin safe", dolphins may still be killed or injured in other stages of the fishing process, such as during catch-and-release practices or when fishermen accidentally catch dolphins in nets.
Companies That Claim to be "Dolphin Safe"
Several companies have been found to be using the "Dolphin Safe" label despite not adhering to the criteria. For example:
- Bumble Bee Foods: In 2019, a lawsuit was filed against Bumble Bee Foods, claiming that the company’s "Dolphin Safe" label was misleading and that dolphins were still being killed in its tuna fishing operations.
- Chicken of the Sea: In 2020, a report by the environmental group Greenpeace found that Chicken of the Sea, a major tuna brand, was sourcing tuna from fishing operations that used nets that caught dolphins.
How to Choose Dolphin-Friendly Tuna
If you’re concerned about the safety of dolphins and want to choose dolphin-friendly tuna, here are some tips:
- Look for third-party certifications: Instead of relying on the "Dolphin Safe" label, look for third-party certifications from organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council). These organizations have stricter criteria and more rigorous monitoring and auditing procedures.
- Check the fishing method: Opt for tuna caught using pole-and-line or trolling methods, which are less likely to harm dolphins.
- Avoid canned light tuna: Canned light tuna is often made from skipjack tuna, which is more likely to be caught using nets that harm dolphins.
Conclusion
While the "Dolphin Safe" label may seem like a reassuring guarantee, it’s essential to be aware of the limitations and loopholes in the certification process. By doing your research and choosing dolphin-friendly tuna, you can help reduce the harm caused to dolphins and promote more sustainable fishing practices.
Table: Dolphin-Friendly Tuna Options
| Brand | Fishing Method | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Planet | Pole-and-Line | MSC |
| American Tuna | Pole-and-Line | MSC |
| Safe Catch | Trolling | ASC |
| StarKist | Pole-and-Line | MSC |
Bullets: Dolphin-Friendly Tuna Features
• Caught using pole-and-line or trolling methods
• Certified by third-party organizations such as MSC or ASC
• Uses sustainable fishing practices
• No mixing of dolphins and fish
• No setting on dolphins
Additional Resources:
- International Dolphin-Free Tuna Certification Program (IDF)
- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
- Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
- Greenpeace Report on Chicken of the Sea
- The Intercept Article on Bumble Bee Foods