Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification: Sustainable fisheries
Use the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standard to assess and demonstrate whether a fishery is well-managed, sustainably harvested and operating to protect the marine ecosystem.
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Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification: Sustainable fisheries
Growing demand for natural resources and pressure on marine ecosystems can contribute to biodiversity loss and declining fish stocks.
Responsible fisheries management is important to reduce environmental impacts and support the long-term sustainability of marine resources.
Certification by an independent third-party according to the MSC Fisheries Standard confirms that a fishery meets requirements to ensure operations that are well-managed operations, ensure sustainable harvesting and protect the marine ecosystem.
What is the MSC Fisheries Standard?
The MSC Fisheries Standard is open to eligible fisheries that catch marine or freshwater aquatic species in the wild. The standard is based on three core principles:
- Sustainable fish stocks
- Minimizing environmental impacts
- Effective fisheries management
For seafood to be sold with the MSC blue label, applicable companies in the supply chain must meet the requirements of the MSC Chain of Custody Standard.
Value of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification
Certification to the MSC Fisheries Standard enables your organization to:
- Demonstrate that your fishery meets internationally recognized requirements for sustainable fishing.
- Gain independent third-party recognition of your sustainability efforts.
- Enhance reputation and visibility in the marketplace.
- Improve dialogue with stakeholders.
- Access new markets and strengthen existing market opportunities.
- Use the MSC blue fish label for certified catch, subject to applicable Chain of Custody requirements.
- Support continuous improvement in fishery performance.
MSC certification provides assurance to consumers and retailers that certified seafood comes from a well-managed and sustainable fishery.
MSC Improvement Program
MSC also offers the MSC Improvement Program for fisheries working towards MSC certification. This 5-year program supports fisheries of all sizes and locations committed to achieving certification but are not yet ready to enter the Fisheries Standard.
This program supports you in making measurable, independently verified progress towards MSC certification. It applies to eligible fisheries committed to entering assessment against the MSC Fisheries Standard within five years.
The program has a number of improvement tools to help fisheries identify where changes are needed, develop an improvement action plan, and monitor progress.
Regular independent verification of improvements being made is required and must be carried out by an accredited certification body. Eligible fisheries can apply to the MSC Transition Assistance Fund, which can support fisheries to cover the costs of implementing improvements and progress verifications.
Why partner with DNV?
DNV is one of the world’s leading certification bodies. Through management system certification, supply chain assurance and training services, we help companies manage risks, assure compliance and build competence in organizations, supply chains and people.
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How to get certified to Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
The most important element in the certification process is to transparently identify and address issues about target stock(s), the impact of fishing on the marine environment, and the effectiveness of the fishery’s management system.
Specific circumstances out of your company’s control may prevent you from becoming certified, such as unsustainable governmental policies. An optional pre-assessment can help identify potential challenges before entering full assessment.
The assessment includes measuring the fishery against the principles and criteria the standard, considering the unique circumstances of the fishery. The certification process includes involvement of fishery experts, consultations with stakeholders and submission of the pre-assessment report.
DNV is an independent third-party certification body accredited for the MSC Fisheries Standard and can help you throughout the journey from training to certification services.
As a DNV customer, you also get access to a suite of digital tools that can help you ensure compliance, continually improve and manage your entire certification journey with us.
Learn how to get MSC certified
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- Review the MSC Fisheries Standard: Obtain and familiarize yourself with the MSC Fisheries Standard and supporting guidance documents. Understand the three core principles covering sustainable fish stocks, ecosystem impacts, and effective fishery management.
- Assess your fishery's readiness: Evaluate whether your fishery is eligible for certification and identify any potential gaps related to sustainability performance, data availability, or management practices.
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- Define the scope of certification: Determine the target species, fishing methods, vessels, and operators that will be included in the assessment, and establish the proposed Unit of Assessment.
- Build your assessment team: Assign internal resources and coordinate with relevant stakeholders, scientists, managers, and supply chain partners who will support the certification process.
- Define the scope of certification: Determine the target species, fishing methods, vessels, and operators that will be included in the assessment, and establish the proposed Unit of Assessment.
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- Compile supporting evidence: Gather stock assessment reports, catch and landing data, management plans, environmental impact information, traceability records, and other relevant documentation required for assessment.
- Engage stakeholders early: Consult with regulators, industry representatives, NGOs, customers, and other interested parties to build transparency and facilitate a smooth assessment process.
- Compile supporting evidence: Gather stock assessment reports, catch and landing data, management plans, environmental impact information, traceability records, and other relevant documentation required for assessment.
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- Choose an accredited certification body: Selecting the right certification body can make a difference throughout your MSC certification journey. DNV combines fisheries expertise, independent assurance, and a risk-based approach to help fisheries navigate the assessment process, maintain certification, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable fishing practices.
- Complete the assessment process: Participate in document reviews, site visits, stakeholder consultations, and scoring activities conducted by the certification body and independent experts.
- Choose an accredited certification body: Selecting the right certification body can make a difference throughout your MSC certification journey. DNV combines fisheries expertise, independent assurance, and a risk-based approach to help fisheries navigate the assessment process, maintain certification, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable fishing practices.
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- Address improvement opportunities: Where assessment conditions are identified, develop and implement action plans to achieve the required performance improvements.
- Maintain certification and traceability: Sustain compliance through regular surveillance audits and effective traceability systems to support the ongoing use of the MSC ecolabel and market claims.
- Address improvement opportunities: Where assessment conditions are identified, develop and implement action plans to achieve the required performance improvements.
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification - FAQ
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The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organization that sets standards for sustainable fishing and seafood traceability. The MSC Fisheries Standard is used to assess whether wild-capture fisheries are well-managed and sustainable.
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MSC certified means that an eligible fishery has been independently assessed against the MSC Fisheries Standard and found to meet its requirements for sustainable fish stocks, minimizing environmental impacts and effective fisheries management.
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MSC certified fish comes from a fishery that has been independently assessed and certified against the MSC Fisheries Standard. Seafood sold with the MSC blue label can be traced through the supply chain according to the MSC Chain of Custody Standard.
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