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Part of our work is to evaluate how well our standards and certification system functions. Do the activities of the MSC program help towards achieving our vision of abundant oceans with seafood supplies safeguarded for the future?

Are we delivering on our Theory of Change?

To carry out this this monitoring and evaluation, we have a dedicated team who systematically assess activities and:

  • Analyse the environmental and social impacts of MSC certified fisheries
  • Provide evidence for decision-making when the MSC revises its Standards
  • Communicate the most up-to-date scientific understanding of fish stocks, fisheries management best practice and seafood certification
  • Summarise the diverse activities and datasets of the MSC program into a series of indicators that allow us to measure changes over time.

The MSC Monitoring and Evaluation framework

The MSC Monitoring and Evaluation Framework describes the purpose and scope of the M&E program. It contains the indicators used to measure changes and compare progress against targets.

MSC Monitoring and Evaluation framework 2024
Description: An overview of the MSC Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. Version 8.1
Language: English
Date of issue: 24 October 2024
Date effective: 24 October 2024
Download download file PDF - 12 MB
Theory of change graphic
Description: MSC's theory of change describes how the program will contribute to the MSC achieving oceans teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for future.
Date of issue: 05 September 2019
Download download file PDF - 1 MB
For earlier versions of the M&E framework, please contact the MSC Research Team.

Monitoring and Evaluation Review

The MSC’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Stakeholder Review project was conducted between March 2022 and March 2023. Below is a summary of the project findings.
MSC Monitoring and Evaluation Review - Project Summary
Date of issue: 06 December 2024
Download download file PDF - 1 MB

Monitoring and Evaluation technical reports

MSC Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Reports describe a series of indicators representing the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. These indicators reflect diverse aspects of the MSC program and aid in evaluating whether the MSC is delivering on its vision, mission, and Theory of Change for the production of sustainable seafood.

MSC Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Report 2022
Date of issue: 16 May 2022
Download download file PDF - 2 MB

Monitoring and Evaluation Program background

An earlier version of the MSC Monitoring and Evaluation Framework was developed in 2006 during a multi-stakeholder workshop. It was expanded through a public consultation process in 2011.

MSC Monitoring and Evaluation consultation document
Description: In 2011, the MSC developed its current M&E framework through a consultative process. This document outlines this consultation.
Language: English
Date of issue: 10 May 2011
Download download file PDF - 1 MB
MSC Monitoring and Evaluation Workshop Report 2006
Description: This report outlines the 2006 workshop in which the MSC's monitoring and evaluation framework was developed.
Language: English
Date of issue: 20 September 2006
Download download file PDF - 1 MB

Global Impacts Reports

MSC Global Impacts Reports were the precursor to the current Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Reports. These earlier Global Impacts Reports summarised key elements of the MSC program and evaluated impacts of the MSC program.

MSC Global Impacts Update 2019
Description: An updated review of the Marine Stewardship Council program and the improvements made by MSC certified fisheries around the world.
Language: English
Date of issue: 08 June 2019
Date effective: 08 June 2019
Download download file pdf - 8 MB
GIR 2019 supplementary methods
Description: An overview of the methodology used to create the 2019 fisheries improving update.
Language: English
Date of issue: 06 June 2019
Date effective: 06 June 2019
Download download file pdf - 1 MB
MSC Global Impacts Report 2017
Description: A 20th anniversary review of the Marine Stewardship Council program and the progress and improvements made by MSC certified fisheries around the world.
Language: English
Date of issue: 01 June 2017
Download download file pdf - 7 MB
MSC Global Impacts Report 2016
Language: English
Date of issue: 30 April 2016
Download download file pdf - 6 MB
MSC Global Impacts Report 2016 appendix and methods
Description: Data used in the 2016 Global Impacts Report
Date of issue: 30 April 2016
Download download file pdf - 2 MB
MSC Global Impacts Report 2015
Language: English
Date of issue: 30 April 2015
Download download file pdf - 8 MB
MSC Global Impacts 2015 Summary
Description: A summary of the 2015 Global Impacts Report
Date of issue: 30 April 2015
Download download file pdf - 4 MB
MSC Global Impacts Report 2014 Summary
Language: English
Date of issue: 30 April 2014
Download download file pdf - 3 MB
MSC Global Impacts Report 2014
Language: English
Date of issue: 30 April 2014
Download download file pdf - 5 MB
Global Impacts Report 2013
Language: English
Date of issue: 30 April 2013
Download download file pdf - 1 MB
Global Impacts Report 2013 Summary
Description: A summary of the 2013 Global Impacts Report
Date of issue: 29 April 2013
Download download file pdf - 1 MB
Katie Longo
Dr Katie Longo

Senior Scientist

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Our collective impact

Our collective impact

For 20 over years fisheries, scientists, consumers and industry have been part of a collective effort to make sure our oceans are fished sustainably.

Science and research

Science and research

Our research collaborations deepen our understanding of sustainable fishing and supply chain traceability.

The impact on communities

The impact on communities

Fish is an important source of food and income for communities around the world. For many people, sustainable fishing is a necessity, not a luxury.