Most Americans think that the existence of a dolphin-safe label means that no dolphins were harmed when the tuna were caught. In truth, the label only means that one particular fishing method was not used in one particular part of the ocean. It is no coincidence that the place and practice most scrutinized by the law are where and how the Mexican tuna industry operates.
It’s very likely that, even without the current dolphin-safe rules, some consumers will avoid Mexican brands out of concern that “setting on dolphins” is totally unacceptable.
That means that Mexican tuna brands have no way to explain their fishing methods to consumers. Tuna caught elsewhere in the world can be called dolphin-safe based merely on a declaration from the ship’s operator.
It’s very likely that, even without the current dolphin-safe rules, some consumers will avoid Mexican brands out of concern that “setting on dolphins” is totally unacceptable.
That means that Mexican tuna brands have no way to explain their fishing methods to consumers. Tuna caught elsewhere in the world can be called dolphin-safe based merely on a declaration from the ship’s operator.
