Thai Union and The Nature Conservancy have published their initial Partnership Progress Report, detailing achievements in complete transparency across the entire tuna supply chain.

BANGKOK, January 12, 2023 – Thai Union Group PLC, a leading seafood corporation globally, in collaboration with the prominent conservation entity, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), has unveiled the first progress report of their collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing transparency in the worldwide tuna supply chains. Since March 2021, the partnership between Thai Union and TNC has embarked on an innovative commitment to lead the seafood industry towards more ethical practices. This initiative ensures that the tuna sourced by Thai Union comes from vessels that maintain transparent fishing operations, allowing for on-sea monitoring. Through its SeaChange® sustainability strategy, Thai Union is dedicated to combating illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing activities, thereby promoting legal compliance and transparency. In the initial year of their collaboration, the partners have reached significant achievements: - The launch of a unique and leading electronic monitoring (EM) program tailored to Thai Union’s EM program, focusing on design, data, technical standards, and continuous improvement for the sourcing vessels. - An increase in EM coverage on vessels from which Thai Union sources its tuna, establishing a baseline for future monitoring, including annual reports. In 2021, observer coverage, through EM or human observers, for Thai Union-sourced tuna vessels reached 71% by volume, with plans to report further progress in the following year. Additionally, the completion of electronic monitoring equipment installation on 240 longline tuna vessels across five seafood supply companies in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans is anticipated by 2023. - The initiation of projects by both partners to broaden EM application in new fishery transparency initiatives, such as trans-shipment monitoring and enhancing vessel crew human rights protections. - Efforts by Thai Union and TNC to enhance supply chain transparency through stakeholder engagement, including support for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standard and participation in organizations like the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation and the Global Tuna Alliance. - Advocacy by TNC and Thai Union for monitoring importance through participation in Regional Fishery Management Organizations, including the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). - The development of multi-year technology strategies by Thai Union, in partnership with leading companies, to further the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in EM processes. The focus for 2023 will continue on expanding observer coverage, advocating for broader supportive changes, exploring EM's role in social sustainability aspects, and advancing technological solutions for widespread adoption. Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy, emphasized the critical state of the world's oceans due to climate change, overfishing, and pollution, highlighting the role of increased supply chain transparency through electronic monitoring in enhancing fisheries management and accountability. Thiraphong Chansiri, President and CEO of Thai Union, reflected on the partnership's achievements and its contribution towards sustainable marine ecosystems for future generations. For further details, the full report is accessible here: Thai Union and The Nature Conservancy Partnership Progress Review: Year-1 Public Report. About The Nature Conservancy and Thai Union: The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a worldwide conservation organization committed to preserving the lands and waters essential for life. With operations in 72 countries, TNC engages in collaborative efforts with local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners to address climate change, land and water conservation, sustainable food and water provision, and urban sustainability. Thai Union Group PCL, a global leader in the seafood industry, has been delivering high-quality, nutritious, and innovative seafood products worldwide for over 45 years. With a commitment to "Healthy Living, Healthy Oceans," Thai Union operates under a sustainability strategy recognized globally, including being ranked first in the Food Products Industry Index of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) in 2022. For media inquiries, please contact: The Nature Conservancy: media@tnc.org Thai Union (Thailand/Asia): Wiriyaporn Posayanonda at wiriyaporn.posayanonda@thaiunion.com Thai Union (United States): Craig Rexroad at craig.rexroad@thaiunion.com Thai Union (Europe/Africa): Markus Reber at markus.reber@thaiunion.com