Credible FIPs are multi-stakeholder initiatives that aim to improve a fishery towards sustainability and MSC certification. The MSC works to support such improvement by developing tools and building capacity on the ground.

How the MSC defines a credible FIP

The MSC recognises the important contribution that FIPs can make to improving overall fisheries health and in promoting sustainable seafood. However, we believe that it is important that they are operated in a manner that is credible: that their actions are transparent; that they clearly show improvement in fishery performance; and that these fisheries ultimately demonstrate their sustainability through a robust, independent assessment process. 

Our credible FIP definition is supported by a capacity building program [link]and a series of fishery improvement tools [anchor to below?] – such as the Benchmarking and Tracking Tool – all of which help stakeholders, funders and retailers monitor the progress of FIPs against the MSC Fisheries Standard as a best practice benchmark.

Download The MSC definition of a credible FIP (PDF)

4 steps to a credible FIP

A credible FIP involves four key steps, each with associated tools and support mechanisms.

Help for FIPs

Our technical consultants register below lists experts who can provide services to fisheries as they work towards meeting the MSC Standard. 

Those listed on the register understand the requirements of the MSC Fisheries Standard. They can help with: 

• Conducting a gap analysis of fishery performance against the Standard 
  
• Developing and assisting in the implementation of a fisheries improvement action plan
  
  
• Project managing MSC assessments or liaising between the fishery and the assessment body 

The technical consultant register is tiered. Individuals are listed as either technical consultants or associate technical consultants. The difference between the two tiers is the level of practical experience in the application of the MSC Fisheries Standard that the consultant has.

Technical consultants

Name, email link and company	Experience
David Japp CapFish	African and developing country fisheries. Projects include Kenya. Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa.
Duncan Leadbitter Fish Matter Pty Ltd	Sustainability assessment, policy development, experience in Asia Pacific countries fisheries.
Fiona Nimmo Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Ltd (Scotland office)	Fisheries management, environmental interactions, environmental assessments and sustainable development. Experience in European and Asian fisheries.
Graeme MacFadyen   Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Ltd (Geneva office)	Fisheries policy, management, MCS/IUU, economics, trade/marketing, value-chains, evaluation. Experience in Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa and Americas.
Graeme Parkes MRAG Ltd, United Kingdom	Fisheries resource assessment, marine fisheries development, resource survey, fisheries development policy and strategic planning.
Jo Gascoigne  MacAlister Elliot and Partners (MEP)	Fisheries consultant, specialising in fisheries assessment and management, management of shellfish resources and culture and environmental and ecological studies relating to fisheries.
Kevin Stokes  Consultant	Wide ranging fisheries science, management, policy and governance. Experience working with government and industry and in multi-stakeholder settings.
Paul Medley   Independent Consultant (UK)	Fisheries stock assessment, specialisation in tropical small-scale fisheries, data collection and scientific management advice.
Richard Banks   Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management (Pty) Ltd (Australia-Pacific office)	Governance, fisheries policy and management, compliance, bycatch management, harvest strategies, rules and tools. Specialises in Australia, Pacific, all ASEAN countries, South Asia, China and New Zealand.
Rich Lincoln  Ocean Outcomes (USA)	Deep, diverse experience in fisheries management, research, policy, third-party certification, fishery assessments, and fishery improvement gap analyses and work plan design/consulting - in a wide range of jurisdictions, species and geographies.
Dr Rob Blyth-Skyrme  Ichthys Marine Ecological Consulting Ltd. (UK)	Fisheries science, management and policy specialist with experience in North America and Europe.
Rod Cappell   Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Ltd (Scotland office)	Fisheries policy, economics and sustainable development. Experience in European, Asian and Middle Eastern fisheries.
Dr Sophie des Clers  Greenfishers Consultants	Fisheries public and business policy, economics and management.
Tim Huntington   Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Ltd (UK Main office)	Specialist in environmental interactions with fisheries (bycatch and discards, ETP, habitats and trophic changes) in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Particular experience  with tuna, groundfish and shrimp fisheries.
Tristan Southall   TDS Marine Resource Management (UK)	Fishery policy analysis and marine consultancy.
Dr. Robert Wakeford  MRAG Ltd. (UK)	Fisheries management and policy, stock assessment,  environmental impacts and programme management.  Experience of high latitude and tropical ecosystems,  including small-scale multi-species fisheries and  industrial fisheries.

Associate consultants 

An associate technical consultant has had comprehensive training, but has not been part of a full MSC assessment or surveillance team.