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The MSC examines the sustainability of certified fisheries as part of our ongoing global impact reporting. Our 2019 analysis focuses on the improvements MSC certified fisheries have made to reduce environmental impacts.
While fisheries must be performing at a high level to be MSC certified, there is often room for improvement. In fact, 92% of certified fisheries have made at least one improvement. These improvements are required for fisheries to maintain certification. These improvement requirements form what we call conditions. Each condition may impact multiple species and generate many improvements.
A completed condition means a fishery's score meets best practice as measured by the three Principles of the MSC Fisheries Standard.
Between 2016 and 2018, MSC certified fisheries completed 288 conditions.
60
35
34
14
MSC certified fisheries funded or participated in 65 new scientific research projects, including mapping the sea floor.
MSC certified fisheries have taken 24 technical actions. Among these are gear modifications for reducing bycatch and the creation of new marine protected areas (MPAs).
54 assessments of fishery impact were completed. Among these assessments is the mapping of fisheries' pathways. This mapping enables researchers to compare a fishing area with nearby habitats and measure the fishing impact.
An improvement is the result of an action taken by a fishery to close a condition. Sometimes, one action produces multiple improvements. For example, closing an area to fishing could impact several species.
The MSC’s Strategic Research team has analysed fisheries' improvements since 2016 to test the benefits. They found:
How the island nation of Fiji is leading the way in reducing accidental catch in longline tuna fisheries.
The Oregon and Washington pink shrimp fishery off the west coast of the USA is working to protect a lesser-known fish.
A Chilean squat lobster fishery has been working with researchers to map its fishing grounds and better understand its impacts on deep sea habitats and ecosystems.
North East Arctic cod and haddock thrive in the Barents Sea due to good management and international collaboration.
Read our full Global Impacts Report from 2017, which showcases the progress and improvements delivered by certified fisheries around the world.
For 20 over years fisheries, scientists, consumers and industry have been part of a collective effort to make sure our oceans are fished sustainably.
Sustainable fishing means leaving enough fish in the ocean, respecting habitats and ensuring people who depend on fishing can maintain their livelihoods.
The MSC monitoring and evaluation program works to understand the environmental and social impacts of the MSC.
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