Two Tuna Australia members lead the way in sustainable canned tuna

Two Tuna Australia members, Little Tuna and Walker’s Tuna, have topped a new ranking of sustainable canned tuna brands.

The University of Tasmania study identified these brands—along with four others—as leaders in transparency and compliance with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) principles for environmental claims.

Their success is attributed to clear messaging and trusted third-party certification, including the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) blue fish eco label.

“MSC certification demonstrates our sustainability credentials," said David Ellis, CEO of Tuna Australia.

"This reflects our continued improvement in our fishery and the exceptional fishery management from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.”

The study, Greenwashing in the Tuna Industry, is the first to evaluate 14 popular canned tuna products against the ACCC’s standards. It delivers a fact-based benchmark that helps consumers cut through marketing hype and assess genuine environmental claims.

Continuing the spirit of World Tuna Day (2 May), Australians are being encouraged to ‘check your cans’ to understand the sustainability credentials behind the labels on their favourite tuna brands.

As consumer demand for sustainable products grows, so does scrutiny. MSC certification involves rigorous scientific standards, independent audits, and ongoing evaluation to ensure continuous improvement in fisheries.

“Without independent verification, consumers can’t know if their tuna came from healthy, responsibly managed fisheries — or if it’s contributing to overfishing and the destruction of marine habitats,” said Anne Gabriel, Program Director, Oceania at the Marine Stewardship Council.

The research found that brands certified by credible third parties, such as MSC, were more closely aligned with ACCC guidelines and better at communicating trustworthy and transparent information about their sustainability practices.

“Our analysis shows that independent certification isn’t just helpful — it’s essential,” said Associate Professor Dan Daugaard, lead researcher at the University of Tasmania. “Brands with verified claims are more aligned with regulatory standards and far more likely to win consumer trust.”

Read the MSC report: Navigating sustainability: Canned tuna in Australia