MSC launches global sustainable fisheries initiative

The Marine Stewardship Council has launched an initiative to accelerate progress in sustainable fishing practices around the world.

More than 500 fisheries are certified to the MSC Fisheries Standard. However, the organization said there was an urgent need for faster progress.

According to the latest UN data, almost 38% of the world’s fish stocks are currently overfished.

The new MSC Improvement Program aims to address this issue by offering support and incentives to fisheries provided they make measurable improvements over a five-year period.

These improvements will be determined by an independently verified action plan.

This initiative complements existing fisheries improvement projects around the world. The goal of the MSC Improvement Program is to help fisheries achieve MSC certification.

It is intended to provide greater confidence that FIP ​​progress is verified and timely, as the effectiveness and impact of such projects can vary significantly.

The program will recognize the best performing FIPs with the aim of being fully assessed against the MSC Fisheries standard within five years.

“MSC works with hundreds of dedicated fisheries around the world who are leaders in sustainability,” said Amanda Leibowitz, MSC Head of Accessible Fisheries Standards. “However, not all fisheries are currently able to meet our fisheries standard, despite the growing relevance.

“This new initiative aims to encourage fisheries to improve sustainable practices,” she added. “By doing so, we support not only the health of the oceans and future seafood supplies, but also the livelihoods of communities that depend on fisheries.”

Participants in the new program will not be eligible to use the MSC blue eco-label as their catch is not certified. However, once they reach minimum performance requirements and meet certain conditions, they will be able to access MSC certified supply chains.

Retail products containing seafood may also have a statement on their packaging confirming their participation.

“The launch of the new MSC Improvement Program marks an important milestone for UK fisheries looking to improve their practices,” said Lisa Bennett, MSC Senior Fisheries Operations Manager for UK and Ireland. “This provides them with a tool to help them achieve MSC certification for their plantings and market recognition for their efforts to achieve this goal.”