Certified Sustainable Seafood

We're the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) - an international nonprofit on a mission to end overfishing and ensure seafood is fished sustainably. Help us support healthy oceans, lakes, and rivers, protect food security, and preserve livelihoods.

The MSC in numbers

19.3%

of marine wild catch is engaged with the MSC program (certified, in assessment, suspended, and in-transition)

716

fisheries are engaged in the MSC program

95%

of MSC certified fisheries have made improvements to their fishing practices

Our Work

Overfishing explained

Overfishing is a global problem that threatens ocean wildlife, livelihoods, and seafood supplies. The good news is that overfishing can be stopped. Find out how.

What is sustainable fishing?

While companies and organizations around the world have different definitions of sustainable fishing, the MSC definition is widely accepted across borders, among fishery experts, scientists, researchers, governmental bodies, and environmental NGOs.

What does the MSC blue fish label mean?

The little blue fish provides assurance that the seafood you chose came from a certified sustainable fishery.

The Latest

Read the latest blogs from the MSC about sustainable fishing, certified sustainable seafood in the kitchen, and more.

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How do sharks support sustainable fisheries?

21 July 2025

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How to eat sustainable lobster

11 July 2025

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Sustainable shark fisheries exist and they’re key to conservation

19 June 2025

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We need to stop fearing sharks and start protecting them

16 June 2025

Annual Report 2023-24

Over the past year we have seen steady growth in consumer awareness of the MSC label, sales of MSC labeled seafood, and fishery engagement with the MSC program.

Read the Summary

Learn More About the MSC

FAQs

Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the MSC, overfishing, and sustainable seafood.

How is the MSC Funded?

The MSC is fortunate to benefit from the generous support of donors who share our mission and vision. We also receive funds when our partners choose to use the blue MSC label as a mark of the sustainability of their products.

Stories From the Water

Over the last 25 years, we’ve worked hard to make sure the oceans are fished sustainably, but we haven’t been doing it alone. The best way to understand the impact of the MSC is from those directly involved in the program. Hear from the passionate people taking care of our ocean in the stories below.