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Community Catch

Community Catch is a certification programme supporting responsible small-scale fisheries and the communities that depend on them. Control Union UK provides independent third-party assessment to verify sustainable practices, traceability, and positive community impact.

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    Community Catch

    About the certification

    Community Catch is an innovative certification programme designed to support small-scale fisheries and the coastal communities that depend on them. The programme promotes responsible fishing practices, fair and transparent supply chains, and measurable social and environmental benefits.

    As an approved certification body, Control Union UK offers independent assessment services to organisations seeking Community Catch certification, helping fisheries demonstrate responsible stewardship and strengthen market access.

    Explore Community Catch

    What is the Community Catch Standard?

    Community Catch is a third-party standard created to celebrate and protect small-scale fisheries around the world and certification aims to improve livelihoods while safeguarding the long-term sustainability of fishery resources. The programme focuses on:

    The Community Catch Standard assesses whether fishing activities are conducted in a way that supports the long-term health of target stocks and minimises environmental impact. This includes responsible harvesting methods, compliance with local management measures, and efforts to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbance. The aim is to ensure that small-scale fisheries operate within ecological limits and contribute to the long-term sustainability of marine resources.

    Community Catch recognises the vital role small-scale fisheries play in supporting coastal livelihoods. The standard encourages fair access to markets, transparent pricing structures, and equitable distribution of economic benefits within the community. By strengthening community-based governance and local participation, the programme supports resilient and self-determined fishing communities.

    The standard requires systems that enable seafood products to be traced from the point of capture through the supply chain. This includes clear documentation, identification of certified products, and measures to maintain product integrity. Robust traceability helps prevent mislabelling and builds trust with buyers and consumers.

    Community Catch addresses the social dimensions of small-scale fisheries, including fair treatment of workers, safe working conditions, and respect for local cultural and social structures. The standard encourages responsible labour practices and promotes positive social outcomes for fishing families and communities.

    Recognising the increasing impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, the standard encourages adaptive management and forward-looking practices. This may include diversification of target species, improved data collection, community-led resource monitoring, and participation in initiatives that strengthen long-term environmental resilience.

    Who is the certification for?

    If your organisation supports or sources from small-scale fisheries, Community Catch certification can help demonstrate verified sustainability and community impact. Community Catch is designed for:

    • Small-scale fisheries

    • Cooperatives and community-based fishing organisations

    • Fishery in improvement projects (FIPs / MSC IPs) working toward sustainability goals

    • Buyers, processors, and brands committed to responsible sourcing

    Benefits of Community Catch certification

    • Market recognition for responsibly sourced seafood from small-scale fisheries

    • Improved access to sustainability-minded buyers and retailers

    • Enhanced traceability, increasing transparency across the supply chain

    • Demonstrated commitment to social responsibility and community livelihoods

    • Support for ecosystem protection and long-term resource management

    • Third-party verification from a globally trusted certification body

    How Community Catch Certification Works

    Our assessment process follows the official Community Catch Standard and includes:

    Application & Scoping

    We discuss your fishery and certification goals to determine assessment requirements.

    Self-Assessment and Evidence Review

    Review self-assessment and evaluation of supporting evidence, including stakeholder engagement, management plans, traceability documentation, and community engagement records.

    On-Site Assessment (if required)

    If considered necessary, our auditors conduct field evaluations to verify fishing practices, social practices, environmental management, and supply chain controls.

    Certification Decision

    Based on audit findings, certification is granted where the standard is met. In some instances, corrective actions may be required for any non-conformities the fishery may be placed on a improver programme.

    Surveillance Audits

    Annual audits ensure continued compliance and ongoing improvement.

    Why choose Control Union UK?

    We are committed to supporting fisheries and communities as they transition to more sustainable and resilient practices. With decades of experience in sustainability certification across fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, and supply chains, Control Union offers:

    • Experienced auditors with deep knowledge of small-scale fisheries and community-based systems

    • Global presence supported by local expertise

    • Efficient and transparent certification processes

    • Industry-leading digital tools for audit management and traceability

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    Can we help you?

    Need more details about our certification services, advice in your language, or answers to other questions? We’re here to help.

    Contact us