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Good preparation is the key to smooth certification. While assessment to MSC Fisheries Standard is carried out by accredited third-party certification bodies, we are here to help you before, during, and after the process.
MSC certification is available to all wild-capture fisheries, regardless of their size, scale, ecology, geography, or technology. These include single species, multi-species, trawl, long line, hand raked, pots, freshwater, marine, inshore, offshore, demersal, pelagic, and enhanced fisheries.
Target amphibians, reptiles, birds and/or mammals
Yes. To be eligible for MSC certification, enhanced fisheries must meet criteria based on:
Certification is paid for by the fishery client. The MSC does not receive payment, only the certification body you have chosen. Anecdotal information from certified fisheries suggests the cost can vary from USD $15,000 - $120,000. The cost will depend on:
Identifies any potential challenges for certification. If pre-assessment is positive, a fishery may proceed directly to full assessment. Alternatively, a fishery may first address issues that need improvement.
Includes opportunities for stakeholder input and peer review. Takes between 8 and 18 months with the average time being 12 months.
Lasts up to five years. During this time the fishery makes any improvements required as a condition of certification.
Examine any significant changes that might have occurred either in the physical environment or in the management of the fishery.
Occurs within five years of the last certificate being granted.
We recommended that you contact relevant stakeholders such as scientists, NGOs, fisheries managers, authorities, and other fishers at the very beginning of the assessment to build trust, reduce the likelihood of any unforeseen setbacks, and help your assessment go smoothly.
Identifies any potential challenges for certification. If pre-assessment is positive a fishery may proceed directly to full assessment. Alternatively, a fishery may first address issues that need improvement.
Fisheries are scored against the three principles of the MSC Fisheries Standard
There are 28 performance indicators that sit under the three principles of the MSC Fisheries Standard. Your fishery will be assigned a score for each performance indicator, where 60 is the minimum acceptable performance, 80 is global best practice and 100 is near perfect performance. To become certified, your fishery must score:
You will join a collective of over 300 engaged fisheries, supplying the world with over 25,000 sustainable seafood products. Your certifier is required to carry out audits every year of the five-year certification period. Audits will examine any significant changes that might have occurred either in the physical environment or in the management of the fishery.
Program Director - Canada
+1 902 492 2469
Senior Fisheries and Commercial Manager, Canada West
+1 604-868-5331
Senior Fisheries Manager, US
+1 206 631 2493
Fisheries and Commercial Manager, US
+1 202-603-8712
Fisheries Manager, US Gulf of Mexico
+1 305-393-5599
Fisheries Outreach Manager - Central/South America
+569-98888652
Fisheries and Commercial Manager for Eastern Canada
+1 506-434-1824
Fisheries Consultant - Mexico, Central America, Caribbean
+52 1 (998) 214-8347
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