News and opinion

Jump to section

Related Pages
    Amanda Lejbowicz

    Amanda Lejbowicz

    MSC Global Accessibility Project Manager

    MSC certified fisheries leading the way in delivering UN Sustainable Development Goals

    September 18, 2020

    The UN reported today on the international progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. It’s been five years since the goals were proposed and while there is not yet much to celebrate, MSC certified fisheries provide hope. 
    Fisherman's torso with metal ruler in hand, measuring lobster. Lobster traps and sea in background
    Measuring red rock lobster in Baja California, Mexico


    The global community has missed the UN’s ambitious target to end unsustainable fishing by 2020 and in many ways, things are getting worse. In 1974, 90% of fish stocks were fished within biologically sustainable levels. By 2017, less than two thirds were within these levels, putting vital source of nutrition for millions at risk.

    Despite this bleak outlook there are positive signs. Research presented at the 8th World Sustainability Forum this week shows that the MSC Program drives progress towards achieving the UN SDGs. Fisheries meeting the MSC Fisheries Standard are helping deliver on at least 34 different SDG targets.
     
    It’s encouraging to see MSC certified fisheries around the world showing what’s possible with effective management.

    Our research looked at the contributions of the MSC Program to the SDGs based on the improvement actions fisheries have had to make to get or maintain their MSC certification. The MSC label was found to be a catalyst for the development of collaborative partnerships. 

    Contributions to SDG 2, 8, 12, 14 and 17 were identified, either directly through the MSC Fisheries Standard or the wider program via other factors, including market access. Certification of fisheries resulted in improvements in local governance, research plan development and implementation and the production of scientific information and capacity building.

    Icons for United Nations Sustainable Development goals 14 - Life below Water, 2 - Zero Hunger, 8 - Decent work, and 12 - Responsible consumption

    Two decades of sustainable development in Mexico

    A good example of progress is the red rock lobster fishery in Baja California. In 2001 it became the first fishery from the Global South to be certified and is ready for recertification for a fourth time. The fishery has successfully made improvements required by the independent assessor in each 5-year certification cycle. These improvements, like diligently recording bycatch and tracking discarded fish, provide the evidence needed to show the fishery is sustainably managed.

    “To achieve the sustainability in the lobster population is very important because it guarantees the long-term catch for the fishermen” says Armando Vega Velazquez, Coordinator of Investigation for Lobster at the Regional Fisheries Research Centre of Baja California South, Mexico. 


    Harnessing the full potential of MSC certification for the SDGs

    Similarly inspiring examples from the Maldives and India show what’s possible if fisheries are supported properly. Fisheries need to be managed sustainably to ensure the communities that depend upon them can survive and thrive. This can be achieved through broad commitments and leadership from organisations across the fishing, retail, government, conservation and science communities. 

    We’ve set ourselves a bold target: to engage a third of the total global marine catch in the MSC Program by 2030, when the SDGS are due. This reflects the urgency of delivering SDG14: Life below water, and recognises the mounting pressure on our oceans. 

    We encourage international regulators and individual fishing nations to use our certification program to report progress on the SDGs, specifically Life below water (SDG14), Food security (SDG2), Decent work (SDG8), Sustainable consumption and production (SDG12) and Strengthening global partnerships for sustainable development (SDG17).
     
    Two small boats with two fishers each, in silhouette against low sun on water

    Pathway to sustainability

    The MSC is working with NGOs, governments, retailers and funders around the world to create a pathway to sustainability for small-scale fisheries and fisheries in developing countries.

    Find out more

    • '{{item.Image.Title}}', {{item.Image.Artist}}, {{item.Image.Description}}