Become MSC certified - Fisheries | Marine Stewardship Council

Become part of a collective effort to ensure healthy oceans for future generations.

We run the only certification and labeling program for wild-capture fisheries that meets best practice guidelines set by both the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization and ISEAL, the global membership association for sustainability standards.

By being part of this program, fisheries, retailers, and food processors from around the globe are helping to safeguard seafood supplies. We partner with sustainable fisheries across the globe, from large-scale industrial to small artisanal operations, to drive the market for sustainable seafood.

In this section you can find everything to help you on your way to joining this collective effort.

What is fisheries certification?

MSC certification is a way of showing that a fishery meets international best practice for sustainable fishing. Fish and seafood from certified fisheries can carry the MSC blue fish label, assuring customers that what they’re buying is sustainable.

To become certified, fisheries are assessed by independent certification bodies.

View our Fishery Certification Guide

What is a fishery?

The definition of a fishery within the MSC program varies. Anything we refer to as a fishery is defined by agreement between the fishery client(s) and the certification body that assesses it. The definition could be set by scientific information, such as fish stock data, and/or commercial factors, such as gear and vessel.

Examples of possible fishery types

Fishery 1

Two or more independent groups targeting the same fish stock are assessed as one fishery.

Illustration showing two independent groups targeting the same fish stock

Fishery 2

Only part of a fishery is assessed. This part could be a vessel or a gear type within a larger fishery. This becomes the fishery under the MSC definition.

Illustration showing one vessel and gear type assessed as a fishery

Fishery 3

Several fisheries, using a number of methods and gear types, targeting multiple species are managed by the same client who prefers them to be assessed as one.

Illustration showing vessels catching different fish species with different fishing gear

Track a Fishery

Our searchable database of all the fisheries involved in the MSC program. All certificates and assessment documents can be downloaded from Track a fishery.