The impact on communities

And for many people fishing is a way of life and a necessity, not a luxury.

With increasing population levels and challenges such as climate change, sustainable fishing is vital to safeguard food security and the livelihoods of millions of people around the world.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO):

In 2018, 85% of the global population engaged in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors was in Asia, followed by Africa (9%) and the Americas (4%) - (UNFAO SOFIA 2018 Report)

Sustainable fishing, sustainable communities

The MSC encourages responsible fisheries management and sustainable practices to protect the future of fishing communities.

Fishing is often a family business – future generations will only benefit if oceans remain healthy. Responsible fishers are choosing to fish sustainably in order to pass on their treasured way of life. 37% of the world’s population live in coastal communities where whole families are often employed in fishing. Women account for most of the workers in secondary marine-related activities such as fish processing and marketing.

Buying MSC certified fish and seafood helps sustain the livelihoods of those fishing responsibly.