Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organisation. MSC Certification contributes to the health of the world’s oceans by recognising and rewarding sustainable fishing practices, influencing the choices people make when buying seafood and working to transform the seafood market to a sustainable basis.

The MSC fisheries principles and criteria for sustainable fishing were developed following an international consultation with stakeholders between 1997 and 1999. The standard is based on the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and other international conservation instruments. The MSC standard applies to wild-capture fisheries only – whatever their size, type or location but does not apply to farmed fish.

The MSC’s Standard for determining environmentally sustainable, well-managed fisheries centres around three main principles:

• The condition of the fish stocks
• The impacts of the fishery on the surrounding ecosystem
• The effectiveness and performance of the fishery management system (in biological, environmental, socio-economic, commercial and legal contexts)

For fish processors, traders and retailers the purchase of MSC product ensures a future for their livelihood and the industry as a whole. Eco-labelling often ensures that a product sells at a better price than its counterparts and is attractive to an ever-increasing market.

Customers can be assured that any product carrying the MSC logo can be traced throughout the supply chain to an MSC certified fishery. Because of this, Chain of Custody certification is a requirement at each step in the supply chain.

Control Union (UK) supports the aims and objectives of the MSC and shares in its vision for the world’s oceans and seafood supplies to be safeguarded for this and future generations.

Learn more about getting your fishery MSC certified

Learn more about getting your fish processing, trading or retailing business MSC certified