How many fisheries are MSC certified?

As of May 2016, there are over 280 fisheries that have been independently certified as meeting the MSC’s environmental standard for sustainable fishing and over 90 are currently undergoing assessment.

What does it mean for a fishery to be MSC certified?

The MSC says its label guarantees that the wild seafood was caught using methods that do not deplete the natural supply. It also guarantees that fishing companies do not cause serious harm to other life in the sea, from coral to dolphins. The idea is spreading fast throughout the food industry.

What type of fish does MSC certified?

McDonald’s says you are munching on “certified sustainable” wild Alaskan pollock every time you eat a Filet-O-Fish sandwich. The fast-food company has used MSC-certified fish since 2007 in the U.S., and as of February, they are putting the MSC logo on their fish sandwich boxes.

How sustainable is MSC certified?

Princes, a major tuna brand, sources MSC-certified tuna from the Western and Central Pacific fishery and a spokesman said: “MSC is widely recognised as the world’s most robust standard for sustainable fishing. As such, Princes fully supports the MSC and its certification programme.”

Is the MSC corrupt?

In the fisheries world, the MSC has a dominant position in seafood certification, and yet it also has a corruption problem. The MSC’s ‘pay to play’ is not explicit bribery, but it is a complex structure of exclusivity that gives some clients the ability to hijack public resources for their own gain.

Is MSC certification trustworthy?

For over 20 years we’ve worked with scientists, fisheries, seafood producers and brands to develop our standards and promote sustainable fishing. In March 2017, the MSC became the first global seafood certification program to be recognised for rigour and credibility by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI).

Can I trust MSC?

Yes. You can trust that seafood with the blue MSC label was caught by a responsible fishery in a sustainable way that ensures healthy oceans and safeguards seafood supplies for the future. This assurance is provided through independent assessment of fisheries to the MSC Fisheries Standard.

How much does MSC certification cost?

The MSC does not receive payment, only the certification body you have chosen. Anecdotal information from certified fisheries suggests the cost can vary from USD $15,000 – $120,000. The cost will depend on: The complexity of your fishery.

Is MSC fish farmed?

MSC, or Marine Stewardship Council certifications, are used to label wild-caught fish (in marine settings). Like the MSC, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is a non-profit organisation that certifies sustainably farmed seafood, either on land or in the ocean.

How can a fishery be awarded an MSC label certificate?

To be eligible for MSC certification, enhanced fisheries must meet criteria based on:

1. the link to and maintenance of a wild stock.
2. how the fish are fed and looked after.
3. the impact the enhanced fishery has on the habitats and wider ecosystem.

What is fish certification?

Certification to the MSC Fisheries demonstrates your adherence to sustainable, responsible fishing practices, and enables your catch to bear the MSC label. The MSC Fisheries standard covers three main principles: fish stock sustainability, limiting environmental impact and effective fishery management.

Is MSC fish good?

The MSC label was established to be a tool for good in protecting fish stocks and marine ecosystems. Many MSC-certified fisheries do represent best practice, and broadly speaking, it is still advisable for consumers to buy MSC-labelled fish.

Which is the first fishery to be certified by MSC?

In 2000 Western Australia’s West Coast Rock Lobster Fishery was the first fishery in the world to be certified as ecologically sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). In 2017 it was the first fishery to be certified as sustainable for a fourth time.

What are the MSC Fisheries in Western Australia?

Fisheries in MSC full-assessment are: Pearl Oyster, Western Australian Abalone, Kimberley Trap, Pilbara Trap and Gascoyne Demersal Scalefish. More fisheries are expected to announce a move to full assessment soon.

How does the MSC help the fishing industry?

MSC Fisheries. The MSC is partnering with sustainable fisheries across the globe, from large-scale industrial fisheries to small artisanal fisheries, to drive the market for sustainable seafood.

Which is the first WA fishery to be certified as sustainable?

In 2017 it was the first fishery to be certified as sustainable for a fourth time. Information on certified fisheries is available from the MSC. Several other Western Australian fisheries have also begun the journey towards MSC certification.