The MSC is committed to providing equal access for all fisheries seeking MSC certification.
We provide additional tools and guidance for small small-scale and data-deficient fisheries to help them demonstrate that they meet the MSC Fisheries Standard and get certified.
What is a small-scale fishery?
There's not a widely accepted definition of what a small-scale fishery. At the MSC, we currently define a small-scale fishery as having met at least two of the four criteria:
1. Vessel size
Vessels less than or equal to 12 metres.
2. Gear type
Gear types such as barriers, weirs, traps, pots, spears, harpoons, gillnet/dipnets, small beach seines, handline and simple hook and line.
3. Tonnage
Fisheries with a tonnage less than 1,800.
4. Fishing grounds
If the fishery operates within 12 nautical miles from shore.
In 2014, fishery exports from developing countries were valued at US$80 billion, higher than all other food commodities combined. Certification under the MSC program will make sure these fisheries are operating sustainably and can contribute to long-term social, environmental and economic benefits in their communities.
MSC