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The MSC Fisheries Standard is used to assess if a fishery is well-managed and sustainable.
To become MSC certified, fisheries voluntarily apply to be assessed against the Standard. It’s open to all fisheries that catch marine or freshwater organisms in the wild. This includes most types of fish and shellfish.
Fisheries are assessed by an independent, third-party auditor (not the MSC) and must prove they meet all three principles of the MSC Fishery Standard.
The Standard reflects the most up-to-date understanding of internationally accepted fisheries science and management. It is reviewed and developed in consultation with scientists, the fishing industry, and conservation groups.
When a fishery is successfully certified to the Fisheries Standard, its certified catch can then be sold with the MSC blue fish label.
The Fisheries Certification Process (FCP) accompanies the Fisheries Standard. It is the instruction manual for assessors and sets out how the MSC Fisheries Standard should be interpreted during assessments.
These requirements make sure that the Standard is applied equally to fisheries around the world, regardless of species, fishing method, environment, or size. They also give certification bodies the guidance and support they need to assess a fishery against the Fisheries Standard.
The Fishery Certification Process is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect scientific best practices.
MSC certification confirms your fishery is well-managed and is sustaining seafood resources and fishing livelihoods for future generations.
Everything you need to know about MSC fisheries certification.
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