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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:
Assessments are conducted by accredited independent certifiers - Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs). Full list of CABs for MSC assessments
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:
We recommend that you get a few quotes and take in to account the certifier's experience with your region, gear type and species as well as the price.
Assessment against the MSC Fisheries Standard can take 12 to 18 months.
Small scale and developing country fisheries may not have access to the detailed research data that underpins an MSC assessment. The MSC has developed a framework for these fisheries called the Risk Based Framework.
You will need to budget to cover the cost of each key stage of MSC certification. Depending on where your fishery is located, there may be grants that you can apply for. Your local MSC representative can advise you on what is available and how to apply.The MSC also has developed tools and technical assistance to help your fishery make the improvements required to meet the standard. An increasing number of fisheries are making the changes to become sustainable with the hope of achieving certification. This has led to considerable growth in organised efforts to improve fisheries, often called Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs).
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.
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.
Some fisheries may be eligible for subsidised second (and subsequent) recertification.
Get Certified! Your practical guide to the MSC fishery assessment process (PDF 2.1 MB)
We have colleagues based in offices around the world to guide you through the process of getting your fishery certified to the MSC Fisheries Standard.
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