Investing in the future of sustainable fishing
The MSC Ocean Stewardship Fund provides grants for fishery improvements and funds important research into areas like bycatch reduction, protecting marine habitats, and the effects of climate change on fishing.
We commit 5% of annual royalties from MSC labelled product sales to the fund and combine these with third-party donations.
Projects funded in Australia and New Zealand
Since its launch in 2019, the Ocean Stewardship Fund has awarded over half a million dollars in grants to eight projects in Australia and New Zealand. From reducing sawfish bycatch in northern Australia to refining harvest strategies for orange roughy and finfish across New Zealand and South Australia.
Australian Lakes & Coorong fishery: Improving harvest strategies
By gathering detailed information on finfish in neighbouring ecosystems, the fishery aims improve the long-term sustainability of its catch, support local communities, reduce bycatch and increase awareness of regional biodiversity.
Age structured production model and Harvest Control Rules for New Zealand orange roughy
Data collection and new measuring models for a long-lived deep water species.
Managing skate bycatch in the Australian Toothfish fishery
Monitoring post-release survival of sandpaper skates to support bycatch reduction and mitigation measures.
Knowledge sharing to further reduce dolphin interactions in Australian and UK sardine fisheries
Fishery managers and vessel skippers from sardine purse seine fisheries in South Australia and Cornwall, UK to share experiences of reducing marine mammal interactions.
Reducing sawfish interactions in Australia’s Northern Prawn Fishery
Reducing sawfish and sea snake bycatch in the Australia Northern Prawn fishery through gear modifications.
Reducing fishing risks to endangered Australian shorebirds
This project aimed to better understand any recreational fishing impacts on endangered birds living in the nearby wetland of international importance in Mandurah, Western Australia.
Investigating artificial bait use in Australian tuna fisheries
This project investigated potential sources of sustainable bait for the Australian Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery.
Monitoring deep-water habitats in Australian crystal crab fishery
This project aimed to better understand the footprint of the Australia west coast crystal crab fishery on surrounding deep-sea habitats.
Why the Ocean Stewardship Fund exists
The ocean is under pressure from overfishing, biodiversity loss, and climate change. Many fisheries want to improve their sustainability but face barriers such as limited resources, data gaps, or technical challenges.
The MSC Ocean Stewardship Fund helps overcome those barriers by investing directly in projects that make measurable improvements to fishing practices and marine science. It is designed to accelerate progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 Life Below Water and to ensure that sustainable fishing is achievable everywhere, not just in well-resourced regions.
How the fund works
Each year, the MSC commits 5 percent of its royalty income from MSC labelled seafood sales to the Ocean Stewardship Fund. Additional contributions come from foundations, corporate partners, and private donors who share the MSC’s vision for a healthy ocean. The fund supports four main areas:
- Transition Assistance Fund: Supports fisheries that are verified as improving towards MSC certification through the MSC Improvement Program.
- Science and Research Fund: Supports research projects that aim to overcome the barriers that MSC certified fisheries face in maintaining MSC certification
- Recertification Assistance Fund: Supports MSC certified fisheries with the cost of Conformity Assessment Body fees for their 2nd or subsequent recertification.
- Student Research Grants: Support postgraduate students who carry out research with fisheries engaged with, or working toward, the MSC Fisheries Standard.
Funding opportunities and eligibility
Calls for proposals open annually and grants typically range from GBP 10,000 – 50,000 over one to two years. Eligible applicants include:
- Fisheries participating in the MSC Improvement Program pathway to Certification.
- Research institutions, NGOs, or community groups working with fisheries aligned to the MSC Standard.
- Collaborative projects with clear environmental, social, or scientific benefits.
Applicants are assessed on impact, feasibility, innovation, and alignment with MSC’s mission to end overfishing.
Join us in restoring ocean health
By purchasing seafood with the MSC blue fish tick label, you are already contributing. A portion of every purchase helps grow the Ocean Stewardship Fund. Organisations can also partner directly by donating or co-funding projects that protect marine ecosystems and secure livelihoods.
