The other day, embattled canned tuna brand Chicken of the Sea challenged Americans to “‘Sea the Possibilities’ of a Healthier, Happier Year in 2016.” Their idea is that pushing Americans to eat more tuna is a matter of national health, and not just corporate self-interest. Hmm.
Seafood is an important source of protein for billions of people, which makes overfishing a disaster for humans as well as the ocean. Americans have been eating less canned tuna each year, though, so it is no wonder Chicken of the Sea is trying the health angle to convince people to buy more cans of its watery grey mush.
One of the problems for Chicken of the Sea is that seafood has been getting a lot of bad press lately. Its parent company, Thai Union, has been tied to a number of scandals involving human trafficking, violence, and even slavery. Workers at processing plants supplying Thai Union were tricked and sold into servitude and kept locked in factories where they were forced to work 16-hour days. Those who tried to escape were tracked down, dragged back — one woman was literally dragged by her hair — and punished.
Meanwhile, things are not better for many of the fishermen on board Pacific tuna boats, the main source for Chicken of the Sea and Thai Union. As we heard firsthand from talking to tuna fishermen, it is common for workers to be denied adequate food and water, to be worked until they collapse, and to be beaten if they complain. A shocking number had witnessed murders at sea.
So, here is some free advice for Chicken of the Sea, Thai Union, and the supermarkets and seafood businesses that sell their products.
Rather than spending your money trying to tell Americans what to eat, maybe you should focus your resources on cleaning up your supply chains. No one wants to buy seafood tainted with human rights abuses. Instead of trying to convince us your seafood is going to make us healthier, start by convincing us you haven’t used slave labor to catch or process it.
Otherwise, I think the trend of fewer Americans buying canned tuna is going to continue. Because now more than ever, there are better options available. More and more Americans are adopting a vegetarian diet. And for those that want to keep eating tuna, check out our tuna shopping guide to see where you can find the most sustainable, ethical brands.
