Does sustainable fishing eco-label increase ex-vessel fish prices? Evidence from a French tuna fishery

Eco-certification initiatives are market-based solutions that create incentives for producers to adopt sustainable practices and preserve ecosystems. These initiatives rely on the assumption that producers will receive a price premium sufficient to encourage engagement with and commitment to eco-labels. This paper explores the price differential associated with the eco-certification of a bluefin tuna fishery in Les Sables d'Olonne, on the French Atlantic coast, on prices obtained by certified vessels at auction. Using unique transaction data from 2015 to 2024 and a difference-in-differences strategy, we find that eco-certified vessels experience a 10% price premium after certification compared to non-certified vessels. However, the daily premiums associated with eco-certification vary considerably.