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The MSC Fisheries Standard is used to assess if a fishery is well-managed and sustainable.
When a fishery is successfully certified to the Fisheries Standard, its certified catch can be sold with the blue MSC label.Certification to the MSC Fisheries Standard is voluntary. It’s open to all fisheries who catch marine or freshwater organisms in the wild. This includes most types of fish and shellfish.Fisheries are assessed by accredited independent certifiers (called Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) – also called certification bodies), not the MSC.
Are enough fish left in the ocean? Fishing must be at a level that ensures it can continue indefinitely and the fish population can remain productive and healthy.
What are the impacts? Fishing activity must be managed carefully so that other species and habitats within the ecosystem remain healthy.
Are operations well managed? MSC certified fisheries must comply with relevant laws and be able to adapt to changing environmental circumstances.
The Fisheries Certification Process (FCP) accompanies the MSC Fisheries Standard. It is the instruction manual for Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) and defines the processes they must follow when assessing a fishery against the Fisheries Standard. The FCP also defines the criteria which determine whether a fishery is eligible for certification, known as the scope requirements.
The FCP ensures that the assessment process is robust, transparent and credible, and that the Standard is applied equally to all fisheries, regardless of species, fishing method, environment or size.
The Fisheries Certification Process is regularly reviewed. An updated version of the Fisheries Certification Process was published in March 2020 and came into effect in September 2020.
MSC certification confirms your fishery is well-managed and is sustaining resources and livelihoods for future generations. Learn about the benefits.
What you need to know to get certified. We are here to help you before, during, and after the process.
Information for and about Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) accredited to carry out assessments to the MSC Standards.
The MSC Fisheries Standard and General Certification Requirements. For certifiers and clients.
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