Oceans are essential to life on Earth. They cover more than 70% of the planet's surface, regulate its climate, and supply much of its oxygen.
The oceans are also home to an extraordinary variety of life. Much of this life is essential to sustain people’s livelihoods and ensure food security, as millions rely on fish as their primary source of protein.
Seafood is our last major food source that is truly wild.
35.4%
overfished
49%
decline in marine populations
10%
of the world population rely on fishing and aquaculture
The risks to ocean health
The stakes are high when we consider how intrinsically linked the health of our oceans is to our environmental, social and economic wellbeing.
According to the United Nations FAO's 2022 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report 35.4% of global fisheries have been fished beyond sustainable limits.
The size of marine populations declined by almost half (49%) between 1970 and 2012 according to WWF’s Living Blue Planet Report 2015
Key factors contributing the problem are overfishing, illegal and destructive fishing as well as climate change. It’s not just the loss of species and ecosystems, the problem has a serious impact on communities.
What is overfishing?
What the MSC does
We work with fisheries, scientists and industry to make sure our oceans are fished sustainably and it’s easy to find and buy certified sustainable seafood.
By choosing seafood products with the blue MSC label you are directly supporting fishers that take care of our oceans and encouraging others to do the same.
