MSC in Canada

Certified fisheries

Many Canadian fisheries are engaged in the MSC certification process but none are currently certified. The majority of Canadian fisheries engaged in the MSC program are from the Western province of British Columbia (BC), which has six fisheries in full assessment and many others in pre-assessment. Fisheries in full assessment include such diverse fisheries as BC salmon, Canadian Pacific halibut, Pacific hake, and BC spiny dogfish. In addition to BC, cold water shrimp fisheries from Newfoundland and Nova Scotia are undergoing full assessment. In addition to those in assessment, several Canadian fisheries have entered the confidential pre-assessment phase, and still other fisheries have declared intent to proceed toward pre-assessment. Use our Track a Fishery page to find Canadian fisheries on the MSC map.

Supply chain

There are a number of Canadian seafood companies currently certified to supply MSC-labeled seafood including processors who are now producing MSC-labelled products at locations throughout Canada. As Canadian fisheries currently in assessment become MSC certified, the number of processors and suppliers in Canada to become MSC-certified is expected to grow rapidly.

Retail and brands

Consumers in Canada can choose from a full range of MSC-labelled consumer products. At most major retailers across Canada, shoppers will find MSC-labelled seafood at fresh counters, in freezer cases and on the shelves as canned, pouched, smoked, health supplements and ready meals. Three of the top five Canadian retailers, including the largest national grocery chain, carry MSC certified seafood products. As with processors and suppliers, the number of retail outlets and the types of products will expand as popular seafood species in Canada successfully complete assessment and become MSC-certified.

Foodservice and restaurants

With an established network of Chain of Custody-certified seafood distributors in most major Canadian markets, the MSC is working with its partners to expand distribution of MSC certified seafood into the foodservice and restaurant sectors. Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and other Canadian cities are major markets with busy restaurants and other foodservice establishments seeking to source fish that has been harvested in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way. MSC is engaged with foodservice companies and restaurants across Canada to introduce chefs and executives to MSC certified products from global fisheries and inform them about Canadian fisheries currently seeking certification to the MSC standard.

Find out how your company can get involved in the MSC program.