The island nation of Maldives in the Indian Ocean has been home to yellowtail tuna fishermen who use the pole-and-line method for centuries. Also known as “one man, one hook, one fish”, this method is internationally recognized as among the world’s most environmentally and socially responsible means of sourcing fish, and it is the only recognized method for catching tuna that is considered “sustainable”.
Individual fishermen fish use one pole and one hook at a time, hoisting tuna aboard the boat as they’re caught. Because the fish are caught individually, no other marine life is harmed in the process.
The fish are inspected onsite and only kept if they earn an “A Grade”. Once caught, they’re brought ashore, where they’re tagged, allowing for full traceability throughout the supply chain. They’re then processed immediately, vacuum sealed and flash frozen within hours.