The MSC approach means everyone can play a part in protecting the future of our ocean and fish stocks while enjoying seafood, not avoiding it.
Wild fish and seafood are important resources, providing protein and livelihoods for millions of people around the world. Stopping fishing is not an option, but we know that our ocean's resources are under threat.
At the MSC, our job is to help the management of these resources so that they remain available to us know and to future generations.
What does the MSC do?
How does the MSC work?
The MSC encourages responsible fishery management and sustainable fishing practices to protect the future of fishing communities, preserve ocean ecosystems, and ensure seafood is available to everyone, always.
When you buy a product with our blue fish label, you become part of a virtuous circle, helping to protect the productivity and health of our ocean.
Here's how it works:
- Fisheries that meet the MSC Standard are independently certified as sustainable
- Retailers and restaurants choose to sell and serve MSC certified sustainable seafood
- A certified supply chain assures consumers that only seafood from an MSC certified fishery is sold with the MSC blue fish label
- Consumers preferentially purchase seafood with the MSC blue fish label
- Market demand for MSC certified seafood increases
- More fisheries choose to improve their practices and volunteer to be assessed to the MSC Standard
Does the MSC approach work?
Since our formation in 1997, the sustainable seafood movement has grown and:
- Over 570 fisheries around the world are now independently certified to the MSC Fisheries Standard.
- Over 20,000 MSC labelled products are on sale in over 60 countries.
- Over 48,000 sites hold MSC Chain of Custody certificates, making up a global sustainable seafood supply chain.
- 58% seafood consumers surveyed in 2024 say they the MSC label would make them more likely to purchase a product.
We're helping more fisheries move towards sustainability with tools and grants through our Ocean Stewardship Fund, and research grants are helping sustainable fisheries improve their practices even further.
Fisheries certified to our Standard have already made hundreds of environmental improvements, including many that benefit endangered species and habitats or reduce bycatch.
Of course there is always more work to be done, but the data shows we're heading in the right direction.
